Pivoting Suitcase Wheel Assembly for Easier Stair Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage carts lack effective stairs climbing capabilities and have complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A wheeling apparatus with a pivotable wheeling leg assembly, adjustable inclination, and a flexible wire mechanism that allows for simplified construction and efficient stair climbing by leveraging the principles of a seesaw or weighing balance scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheeling apparatus is designed with stairs climbing capabilities, then the capability to climb stairs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeling leg assembly is made pivotable at a pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust between a stowed position (adjacent to frame plane) and an extended position (at adjustable angle to frame plane). This dynamic configuration enables the apparatus to adapt to stairs while maintaining manageable construction through a single pivot mechanism rather than complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheeling apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the wheeling frame, the pivotable wheeling leg assembly with leaning wheels, and the independent spring-biased mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (support, climbing, positioning) while simplifying the overall construction and maintenance of the system.
2Ease of operation
If the wheeling leg assembly is made pivotable with adjustable inclination, then the ease of operation on stairs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased mechanism automatically urges the wheeling leg assembly toward the extended position and yieldingly holds it at the desired angle. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex motors, actuators, or manual adjustment systems, providing automatic positioning that improves ease of operation while keeping the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the wheeling leg assembly is made adjustable through a simple wire mechanism connected to a holding device, allowing the user to change the angle parameter as needed. This simple parameter adjustment mechanism provides versatile operation on different stair configurations without requiring complex control systems.
3Weight of moving object
If the wheeling apparatus is designed to support heavy loads while climbing stairs, then the load capacity is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased mechanism acts as a counterweight system that offsets the weight of the wheeling leg assembly, automatically urging it toward the extended climbing position. This reduces the effort required by the user to operate the apparatus on stairs while maintaining the capacity to support heavy loads, as the spring mechanism handles the weight compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a two-dimensional wheeled structure to a three-dimensional climbing configuration by extending the wheeling leg assembly at an adjustable angle to the frame plane. This dimensional change enables the leaning wheels to contact stair surfaces, providing mechanical advantage for climbing while distributing the load across multiple contact points, thereby reducing user effort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy maneuverability on stairs while supporting the weight of the suitcase, reducing the effort required for stair climbing and simplifying the construction process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased mechanism configured and biased to urge the wheeling leg assembly toward the second position and yieldingly holding the wheeling leg assembly at the second position
Implementation Method 2
The wheeling leg assembly is structured to pivot out of the frame plane about a pivot axis... enables the suitcase to be either pushed or pulled over a surface in a leaned position
Implementation Method 3
leveraging the principles of a seesaw or weighing balance scale
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeling apparatus for a suitcase has a wheeling frame defining a frame plane. A wheeling leg assembly pivotably is attached to the wheeling frame at a pivoting axis and is pivotably moveable between a first position adjacent and parallel to the wheeling frame plane and a second position extending at an adjustable angle to the wheeling frame plane. Leaning wheels are secured to the wheeling leg assembly. Straps enable the apparatus to be removably secured to the suitcase. A flexible wire having a first end attached to the wheeling leg assembly and a second end attachable to a holding device that is configured to firmly hold the second end at an adjustable location thereon and which is so configured as to allow a user to selectively adjust an inclination angle at which the wheeling leg assembly extends relative to the frame plane during use of the apparatus.