Pivoting Claw Coupling for Controlled Multi-Cart Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The task of moving multiple heavy carts simultaneously requires users to stand between them and use one arm to pull and another to push, leading to a loss of control and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with an inner shaft, a pivotable claw assembly, and a movable outer cap that allows for secure coupling and decoupling of materials, enabling simultaneous movement of multiple carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple heavy carts are moved simultaneously by a user standing between them, then the transport capacity is improved, but the control stability deteriorates leading to loss of control and potential accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple carts into a single coupled unit using a coupling device that connects the carts together. This merging allows multiple carts to be moved as one integrated system, improving transport capacity while maintaining control stability through unified maneuvering rather than independent handling of multiple heavy carts
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and multiple carts. By introducing this coupling device, the user can control multiple carts through a single connection point, transforming the difficult task of simultaneously managing multiple independent heavy carts into a controlled single-unit operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the claw assembly is designed to receive different materials in different states, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The claw assembly is designed with dynamic, pivotable claws that can change their configuration between different states. The claws can pivot between an open position for receiving materials and a closed position for securing materials, allowing the same structure to adapt to different material types without requiring multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device employs a universal claw assembly design that can handle multiple types of materials (carts, containers, or other objects) through a single mechanism. The pivotable claws provide multi-functional capability to receive and secure various materials in different states, reducing the need for multiple specialized coupling devices
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device, including: an inner shaft; a claw assembly pivotably coupled to the inner shaft; and an outer cap movably coupled to the inner shaft. The outer cap is movable between a proximal position and a distal position. When the outer cap is in the proximal position, the claw assembly is in a first state, and when the outer cap is in the distal position, the claw assembly is in a second state. When the claw assembly is in the first state, the claw assembly is configured to receive a first material within the claw assembly to couple the first material to the coupling device, and when the claw assembly is in the second state, the claw assembly and a distal surface of the outer cap are configured to receive a second material therebetween to couple the second material to the coupling device.