Spherical Hauling Device with Collapsible Rib Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for hauling foliage and waste are laborious and inefficient, particularly on uneven terrain, due to heavy bags that are difficult to maneuver and require separate equipment like leaf blowers, and existing devices are often cumbersome and unsuitable for variable terrains.
Innovation Solution
A spherical hauling device with a collapsible and expandable frame, featuring a pair of opposing hubs and radially arching ribs that can be rotated to create a spherical shape, along with an outer shell for containment and a yoke for easy maneuverability over different terrains, allowing for seamless transition between collapsed and expanded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional bag is used to contain foliage and waste, then the containment function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple ribs that can be independently rotated around hubs, allowing the structure to be divided into collapsible sections. This segmentation enables the device to be broken down into a compact flat state for easy transport while maintaining full capacity when expanded
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The ribs can be rotated between expanded and collapsed positions, allowing the device to adapt its form factor - spherical when full of foliage and flat when empty - thereby improving maneuverability without sacrificing containment capacity
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional bag is used for hauling foliage, then the containment function is provided, but the device requires separate equipment like leaf blowers for uneven terrain, increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the containment function (outer shell) with the transportation function (spherical rolling body) into a single integrated unit. The spherical shape with yoke handle combines the benefits of a bag for holding foliage with the maneuverability of a rolling device, eliminating the need for separate leaf blowers or dragging equipment
3Ease of operation
If existing devices are used for hauling yard materials, then the transportation function is achieved, but the devices are often cumbersome and not suitable for variable terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The device adopts a spherical geometry instead of traditional rectangular or wheeled designs. This spherical shape allows the device to roll smoothly over uneven terrain, slopes, and variable surfaces without getting stuck, while the yoke handle provides ergonomic control for guiding the spherical body across different terrains
4Ease of operation
If a collapsible frame is used to improve portability, then the ease of transport is enhanced, but the mechanism for expanding and collapsing may increase structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into discrete ribs that can be independently rotated around hubs, allowing for a modular collapse mechanism. Each rib acts as an independent segment that can be rotated into place, simplifying the overall collapse mechanism compared to a monolithic folding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry of the expanded frame naturally guides the collapse process. When ribs are rotated into the collapsed position, they align in a flat configuration that is compact and portable. The curved spherical paths of the ribs during expansion and collapse provide smooth mechanical transitions
Data Source
AI summary
A spherical hauling device for moving foliage and waste. The device includes an operably expandable and collapsible frame generally spherical in shape when in an expanded position, and nearly flat when collapsed. The frame includes a pair of directly opposing hubs having coaxial hub axes of rotation, and a plurality of ribs exiting each hub radially and arching towards the opposing hub. Each hub has at least one track within which the ribs rotate between the expanded and collapsed positions. The device further includes an outer shell spanning the frame for containing the foliage and waste when the device is expanded. The outer shell can include a plurality of panels operably coupled to and extending between adjacent ribs. A yoke is operably coupled to each hub and includes at least one of a shaft and a retractible cord for rolling the device over variable terrain.