Positionable Wheel Assemblies for Stair Climbing Luggage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage trolleys with wheels are not designed to be dragged over stairs, and while multi-wheel star assemblies can facilitate stair climbing, they complicate storage and traversal on flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of positionable wheel assemblies mounted on sliding or turnable frames, which can be extended and retracted to accommodate stair edges, allowing for easy movement of luggage over stairs without scratching the edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-wheel star assemblies are used to facilitate stair climbing, then the ability to move over stairs is improved, but the complexity of storage and traversal on flat surfaces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable wheel assemblies that can change their configuration based on the terrain. The wheel assembly includes multiple wheels arranged in a star pattern that can be extended outward when encountering stairs or obstacles, and retracted inward when on flat surfaces. This dynamic adjustment allows the trolley to adapt to different ground conditions without permanently requiring the complex multi-wheel configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between stair-climbing capability and storage/traversal simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If positionable wheel assemblies are extended to accommodate stair edges, then the movement over stairs is improved, but the storage space requirement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nesting mechanism where the multiple wheels of the star assembly can be collapsed inward and stored within the body of the trolley when not in use. The wheel assembly is designed with telescopic components that allow the wheels to be nested concentrically or in a compact arrangement within the trolley's housing. This nesting capability significantly reduces the storage space requirement while maintaining the ability to extend the wheels outward when stair-climbing is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and storage space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stair-climbing mechanisms are used, then the ability to move over stairs is improved, but the cost and complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the wheel assembly automatically responds to terrain changes without requiring complex control systems. The design includes mechanical linkages and spring-loaded components that cause the wheels to extend outward when encountering stairs or obstacles, and retract when on flat surfaces. This passive, self-actuating behavior eliminates the need for motors, sensors, and complex electronic controls, thereby reducing both the complexity and cost while maintaining effective stair-climbing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is about assemblies containing shiftable parts like three sided open-frames or independent bars with stub-axles. In some embodiments shiftable parts are designed to ‘slide’ within encompassing tubes. In other embodiments shiftable parts are designed to be ‘turnable’ by attaching them on pivots. These shiftable components are used for mounting general wheels or multi-wheel star assemblies on them. Such assemblies can be either attached to or built into movable objects like luggage or robots to facilitate their movement over stairs. When the wheels are positioned to keep the body of the movable object away from the edges of the stairs, the object can be moved upstairs and also downstairs without getting scratched. When the wheels are shifted to another position, the objects can be easily moved over flat surfaces. One of these positions will be for storing the object in lesser space.