Rotatable Grip Handle for Special Needs Cart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shopping carts designed for special needs riders often have push handles that rotate outwardly, causing interference with other carts and shoppers in confined spaces like narrow aisles.
Innovation Solution
The shopping cart features rotatable grip portions on the handles that can be adjusted to a horizontal position for pushing and a vertical position for easy entry and exit, using a cammed insert and spring mechanism to secure these positions, preventing the handles from extending outward and interfering with others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push handles rotate outwardly to permit rider entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to interference with other carts and shoppers
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly incorporates a rotatable grip portion that can dynamically change its orientation between a substantially vertical position (for rider entry/exit) and a substantially horizontal position (for pushing). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same component to serve multiple functions without causing interference in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal plane (when extended outward for entry/exit) to a vertical plane (when rotated to horizontal position for pushing). By utilizing the vertical dimension through rotation, the handle clears the aisle space and eliminates interference with passing carts and shoppers.
2Ease of operation
If the grip portion remains extended outward for rider access, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to handling issues in narrow aisles
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion is pre-configured to rotate into the horizontal position before the cart enters narrow aisles or crowded areas. This preliminary action prevents the handle from obstructing the path of other carts and shoppers, eliminating the need to stop or maneuver around the extended handle, thus saving time.
3Device complexity
If the handle structure is simplified for easy rotation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential handle instability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism automatically secures the grip portion in its designated positions (vertical and horizontal) without requiring external intervention. The cam follower engages with the cam surface to provide positive locking, while the spring maintains constant pressure to ensure reliable positioning. This self-servicing mechanism enhances reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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
This design allows for safe and efficient loading/unloading of riders while keeping the handles from obstructing aisles, enhancing usability and safety in crowded areas.
Implementation Method 1
A spring and an elongated screw are provided. The elongated screw passes through the spring in the cammed insert. The projection makes contact with the ramp, riding up and down the ramp, thereby compressing and decompressing the spring as the grip portion is rotated so as to lightly secure the grip portion in its substantially vertical and substantially horizontal positions.
Implementation Method 2
A cammed insert is fixedly received in the extension. The cammed insert has a ramp to interface with the projection. The projection makes contact with the ramp, riding up and down the ramp, thereby compressing and decompressing the spring as the grip portion is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a carrying cart suitable for carrying a rider. The cart includes a cargo basket, a plurality of wheels, and a frame. The cargo basket is mounted to the frame and the wheels are connected to the frame. A pair of handles are connected to the frame at the rear of the carrying cart. A rearward facing seat is located between the cargo basket and the pair of handles. Each handle includes a rotatable grip portion The grip portions are enabled to rotate to a substantially horizontal position and to a substantially vertical position. When the grip portions are in the substantially horizontal position the shopping cart is enabled to be pushed. When the grip portions are in the substantially vertical position, the rider is able to enter and exit the seat.