Pivoting Basket and Trolley Device with Collapsible Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shopping carts and trolleys are either primarily designed as baskets or trolleys, failing to adapt to user preferences for transporting items, which can lead to cumbersome handling and space inefficiency when transitioning between configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cuboidal basket portion that can pivotally convert between basket and trolley configurations, featuring adjustable legs and a handle, allowing users to easily switch between carrying and pushing modes, with features like adjustable leg lengths and handle positioning for comfort and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device is designed as a fixed basket configuration, then it is easy to carry and manoeuvre for small items, but it cannot accommodate large quantities of items or provide stable support when overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamically adjustable legs that can pivot between a retracted position (for compact carrying) and an extended position (for stable trolley support). This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to serve both as a portable basket and a stable trolley, resolving the contradiction between ease of carrying and adaptability to different shopping needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is designed as a fixed trolley configuration, then it can support large quantities of items, but it is cumbersome to manoeuvre and occupies excessive storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed to be extendable and retractable, allowing the device to transform from a compact basket form (easy to manoeuvre) to an extended trolley form (high capacity). This dynamic structure enables the device to adapt its capacity and manoeuvrability based on the shopping needs at different times
3Stability of the object's composition
If the legs are extended for trolley configuration, then the device provides stable support and wheel alignment, but it increases the overall footprint and difficulty of storage
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure is segmented into multiple sections that can be collapsed into each other, reducing the overall volume when stored. The wheels are also designed to nest within the leg structure when retracted, minimizing the storage footprint while maintaining stability when extended
4Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned for carrying (above center), then the device is easy to lift and carry, but it is not suitable for pushing in trolley mode
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned above the center of the basket to optimize carrying ergonomics. When the legs are extended for trolley mode, the handle naturally positions itself at an optimal height and distance for pushing, eliminating the need for repositioning and providing versatility for both carrying and pushing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A device has a cuboidal basket portion defining a cavity. A front pair of legs is attached to the basket portion such that the front legs are pivotable about a first axis, and each front leg has a wheel. A rear pair of legs is attached to the basket portion such that the rear legs are pivotable about a second axis, and each rear leg has a wheel. A handle is attached to the basket portion and is pivotable around a third axis. The device has a basket configuration in which the handle is located across and above the basket portion and the legs are collapsed with the wheels located adjacent to a base of the basket portion. The device has a trolley configuration in which the handle is located rearward of the basket portion and the legs are extended for supporting the basket portion.