Scissor-Link Folding Cart Layout for Lower Folded Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable carts are too large after being folded and have limited volume, making them inconvenient for storage and carrying.

Innovation Solution

A folding cart design featuring a first and second frame assembly, each with folding assemblies and a bottom support assembly, allowing the assemblies to switch between a compressed state for storage and an expanded state for use, utilizing scissor linkages and slide sleeves for efficient folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cart is designed to be foldable, then the ease of storage and carrying is improved, but the volume after folding becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of storage and carryingVSAvoidvolume after folding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The folding assembly is nested within the space between the first and second frame assemblies when folded, with the bottom support assembly also folded within the same space. This nesting arrangement allows the moving parts to be contained within the bounding box of the frame assemblies, minimizing the overall volume when the cart is in its compact state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom support assembly is designed to fold in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the folding assembly. This multi-dimensional folding approach allows both components to be compacted simultaneously without interfering with each other, achieving a more space-efficient folded configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the cart is designed to be compact when folded, then the volume after folding is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume after foldingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cart is divided into distinct modular components: frame assemblies, folding assemblies, and bottom support assemblies. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the complex folded configuration. The segmentation allows for standardized production of individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding assembly utilizes a dynamic scissor linkage mechanism with slide sleeves that allow for smooth expansion and contraction. This dynamic design achieves compact folding without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple discrete parts, as the sliding action naturally provides the necessary constraints and movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12515726B2Folding cart
Publication Date: 2026.01.06 JINHUA MFRH LEISURE PROD CO LTD
  • US12515726B2 patent drawing
  • US12515726B2 patent drawing
  • US12515726B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A folding cart includes a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly, a first folding assembly, and a second folding assembly. The first folding assembly and the second folding assembly are opposite to each other, a first end of the first folding assembly and a first end of the second folding assembly are connected to the first frame assembly, and a second end of the first folding assembly and a second end of the second folding assembly are both connected to the second frame assembly. The first folding assembly and the second folding assembly can be switched between a first state and a second state.