Push-Assisted Trolley with Segmented Battery and Adaptive Motor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-assisted trolleys have limited autonomy due to battery constraints and lack control over motor push in varying ground conditions, requiring frequent charging and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A modular design combining a trolley unit with an electric gear motor and rechargeable battery, integrated with an electronic control system including sensors and a separate charging unit, allowing for extended autonomy and adaptive motor control based on ground conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the battery capacity is increased to extend operating autonomy, then the autonomy of movement is improved, but the weight and dimensional constraints of the trolley are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating autonomyVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into two separate units: a first battery unit integrated with the trolley for immediate power supply, and a second battery unit housed in a separate charging body. This segmentation allows the trolley to operate with a lighter battery while the second battery extends operating autonomy when connected, resolving the contradiction between autonomy and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If the battery capacity is increased to extend operating autonomy, then the autonomy of movement is improved, but the dimensional constraints of the trolley are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating autonomyVSAvoidtrolley dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the battery system into two units, the trolley's dimensions are kept compact while the second battery unit provides extended capacity when needed. The modular design allows the charging body to be detached when not in use, avoiding permanent dimensional increases to the trolley.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If no control means are provided for the motor push, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to ground conditions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adaptability to ground conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control unit is implemented that receives input from a push control means and adjusts the motor push accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying ground conditions and operator needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Weight of moving object

If the trolley requires frequent charging due to limited battery capacity, then the battery weight is reduced, but the loss of time for charging and maintenance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery weightVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the second battery unit to be charged in advance in the charging body, separate from the trolley. When needed, the pre-charged second battery can be quickly connected to extend operating autonomy, reducing the time the trolley is out of service for charging while maintaining light battery weight in the trolley itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances operational autonomy and safety by enabling adaptive motor control and extended use in varying environments, with easy maintenance and charging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

comprising at least one wheel driven in rotation by means of an electric gear motor, supplied by means of the electric battery means on board the trolley

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3677487B1Apparatus for transporting objects by means of a push-assisted trolley
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 CECCHINI
  • EP3677487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677487B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3677487B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10

AI summary

Apparatus (20) for transporting objects by means of a push-assisted trolley (21.1), comprising: - a first unit (21), configured as a trolley (21.1) with two wheels (21.3) for transporting objects, comprising electric gear motor means (21.2), configured to control the rotation of at least one wheel of said two wheels (21.3), and first rechargeable electric storage battery means (21.4), configured to supply, through corresponding supply and control electric circuit means, said electric gear motor means (21.2), and - a second unit (22), configured as a body (22.1), structurally complementary with respect to said trolley (21.1) and comprising at least electric/electronic battery charger means (22.2), configured to electrically charge said first electric battery means (21.4) of said first unit (21); wherein said second unit (22) further comprises second electric storage battery means (23), rechargeable and electrically connected, by means of corresponding electric circuit means, on one side, with respect to said electric/electronic battery charger means (22.2), for electric charging, when necessary, and on the other side, with respect to said removable electrical connection means (22.3) of said second unit (22).