Segmented Dolly Frames with Winch Lift for Heavy Object Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dollies are often mechanically unstable, prone to detachment during use, difficult to maneuver by a single person, and expensive to manufacture, while also being cumbersome for moving heavy and bulky objects through conventional door openings.
Innovation Solution
A novel dolly design featuring first and second frames with pivotally coupled vertical members and rollers, equipped with winches and pulley systems to lift and transport objects, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and constructed from materials like wood to maintain maneuverability and affordability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dollies are used to transport heavy and bulky objects, then the objects can be moved, but the dollies are mechanically unstable and prone to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is divided into two separate frames (first frame and second frame) that can be independently positioned on opposite sides of the object. Each frame has its own vertical members, rollers, and winch mechanism, allowing independent operation and attachment to the object's edges, thereby improving stability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical members are pivotally coupled to allow dynamic adjustment between a first position (for inserting under the object) and a second position (for lifting). The winch mechanisms enable controlled movement of the vertical members, providing adaptive positioning that enhances both stability and maneuverability.
2Force
If conventional dollies are designed to lift heavy objects, then lifting capability is improved, but the dollies become difficult to maneuver by a single person
Solution Approach 1:
The winch mechanisms are designed to be manually operated by a single person, converting small input forces into the large lifting forces needed. The mechanical advantage provided by the winches and pulley systems allows one person to control the lifting process effectively, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high lifting capability.
3Reliability
If dollies are designed to attach securely to objects, then reliability is improved, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical members are pre-configured to pivot between specific positions, and the winch mechanisms are pre-installed with appropriate rope or cable lengths. This preliminary setup allows for rapid attachment by simply positioning the frames under the object and engaging the winches, reducing attachment time while maintaining secure connection.
4Strength
If dollies are made with robust construction for heavy objects, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is constructed from multiple separate components (frames, vertical members, rollers, winches) that can be manufactured independently using standard processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each component and simplifies production, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the required structural strength through proper design of each segment.
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
Enables the easy manipulation and movement of heavy and bulky objects without significantly increasing their dimensions, allowing for easy passage through standard door openings, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
Mounted to the underside of the first and second outboard ends of the horizontal cross member are rollers for rolling across the surface of a floor
Implementation Method 2
The first frame further comprises one or more winches securely mounted on the outer face of the lower generally horizontal cross member of the first frame and each include a pulley and gear assembly having a belt for coupling with the distal ends of the generally horizontal cross member of the second frame
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly capable of allowing relatively heavy and bulky objects to be easily manipulated and moved without adding significantly to the dimension of the object thereby allowing the object to be easily moved through conventional door openings. Preferably, the dolly comprises a first frame having generally vertical legs mechanically coupled to a generally horizontal brace and a second frame having generally vertical legs mechanically coupled to a generally horizontal brace such that the first frame and the second frame are in position on opposite sides of the object and the generally horizontal braces are positioned under corresponding edges of the object. The generally vertical legs of the first frame and the second frame when moved into a more vertical orientation operate to mechanically lift the generally horizontal braces to lift the object and allow the object to be transported to a desired location.