Segmented Castor Dolly Assembly for Lightweight Modular Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dolly structures are inflexible and heavy, making them unsuitable for accommodating objects with varying sizes and shapes, requiring multiple dollies for different applications and lacking the ability to be easily resized or configured for storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A dolly assembly composed of lightweight, disposable, and severable dolly members with interchangeable connecting segments and supporting segments, allowing for various configurations and orientations to support objects of different dimensions and shapes, using castors for stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dolly structures are made from durable high strength material, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is divided into multiple separate members (first member, second member, third member, fourth member) that can be individually selected and combined. This segmentation allows the use of lighter materials for each component while maintaining overall structural reliability through proper configuration and connection of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly members are designed with corresponding structural features that allow them to be interchangeable and used in multiple configurations. The same set of members can form different dolly assemblies suitable for various load sizes and shapes, reducing the need for multiple specialized dollies and thereby reducing total material usage and weight.
2Reliability
If dolly structures are designed for specific applications, then reliability for that application is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dolly into separate interchangeable members, the system can be configured for specific applications by selecting appropriate combinations of members, while maintaining the ability to reconfigure for different applications by rearranging the same members.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly members are designed with universal corresponding structural features enabling them to serve multiple functions across different applications. The same members can be arranged to create dollies suitable for various load sizes, shapes, and weights, providing both application-specific reliability and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 3:
The dolly structure is made dynamic through the ability to rearrange and reconfigure members based on application requirements. Rather than a fixed structure, the modular members can be dynamically repositioned to optimize the dolly configuration for each specific loading scenario.
3Force
If dolly structures are made large and heavy, then load capacity is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the dolly into separate members allows the load capacity to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring a single large heavy structure. This enables the assembly of sufficient load capacity while keeping individual components manageable in size and weight for easier handling and operation.
4Reliability
If dolly structures are made from durable materials, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the dolly into separate members allows for more efficient manufacturing of individual components using cost-effective materials and processes, while maintaining overall reliability through the collective configuration of the segments. This approach reduces the need for expensive high-strength materials throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular member design enables the use of more economical materials that may have shorter individual component lifespans, but the overall dolly system maintains reliability through the ability to replace individual members rather than the entire structure, effectively providing a durable solution at lower manufacturing cost.
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein from either the first or second opposite faces.