Ski Caddy Folding Mechanism with Parallelogram Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand carts for ski and snowboard equipment lack efficient folding mechanisms and secure storage solutions, making them cumbersome for transport and storage, and often fail to prevent theft.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled caddy system with a folding mechanism, locking bars, and a mounting system for vehicles and walls, featuring a parallelogram four-bar linkage and locking mechanisms to secure skis and prevent theft by rendering wheels inoperable when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the caddy is designed with a folding mechanism to reduce storage space, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is divided into an upper frame structure and a lower frame structure that can be folded relative to each other. The upper frame structure includes ski holders and locking bars that can be folded down against the lower frame structure, reducing the overall volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper frame structure nests against the lower frame structure when folded. The ski holders, locking bars, and other components are designed to collapse and nest within the overall caddy structure, minimizing the space required for storage.
2Reliability
If the caddy includes locking mechanisms to prevent theft, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing frame structure. The locking bars are part of the upper frame structure and can be pivoted into place to lock skis to the caddy. The same structural elements serve both support and locking functions, avoiding additional complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bars are designed to be flexible and can be pivoted into different positions. They can be rotated to lock skis in place or folded away when not needed, providing security only when required rather than being a permanently engaged complex mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If the caddy is designed to be compact when folded, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism uses a series of hinge joints that allow the structure to collapse in a controlled sequence. The parallelogram four-bar linkage ensures that components fold in a predictable periodic motion, making the folding action smoother and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallelogram four-bar linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's folding action and the final compact configuration. It translates a simple pulling or pushing motion into the coordinated folding of multiple frame sections, reducing the effort required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the caddy includes a mounting system for vehicles and walls, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple mounting scenarios using the same basic mechanism. The parallelogram four-bar linkage and latch system can secure the caddy to vehicle hitches, wall mounts, or other stationary structures, providing universal mounting capability without requiring different mechanisms for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transport, storage and lifting of sporting equipment such as skis has a wheeled caddy and devices for mounting to a vehicle and to a wall.