Spherical Storage Wheel Structure for Rolling on Soft Sand

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recreational transport solutions, such as bags, backpacks, manual carts, and motorized apparatuses, face challenges in efficiently moving accessory items over varied terrains like sandy beaches, often leading to damage, difficulty in access, and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A storage transport apparatus with a single wheel member comprising an inner and outer shell, a main frame, and a handle, designed for easy maneuverability and compact storage, featuring a hollow structure for protection and insulation, and deployable holders for organized item storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large wheels and broad footprints are used in manual transport apparatuses, then the apparatus can roll over soft sandy terrain, but the overall size of the apparatus becomes bulky and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to roll over soft sandy terrainVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical wheel member instead of traditional large wheels with broad footprints. The spherical shape allows the wheel to roll over soft sandy terrain effectively while maintaining a compact size that does not bulk up the apparatus, thus resolving the contradiction between terrain capability and ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If motorized transport apparatuses are used, then steering effort is reduced, but the added weight causes tires to sink into soft sand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering effortVSAvoidability to move over soft sand

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motorized mechanical system with a manually operated spherical wheel system. The spherical wheel's unique rolling characteristics reduce the need for motorized power while preventing sinking into soft sand, thus balancing ease of operation with reliability on sandy terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If bags and backpacks are used for transporting accessory items, then transportation is simplified, but organized storage and quick access to items become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation simplicityVSAvoidorganized storage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates multiple segmented holders attached to the spherical wheel apparatus, each designed to hold specific types of accessory items. This segmentation provides organized storage while maintaining the simplicity of transportation, as all items are contained in one unified mobile structure rather than multiple separate bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If multiple trips to the car are made to transport heavy accessory items, then all items can be transported, but time and effort are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal items transportedVSAvoidtime for multiple trips

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transport functions into a single spherical wheel apparatus that can carry numerous accessory items simultaneously. By combining what would require multiple trips into one unified transport solution, the patent eliminates repeated trips to the car, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to transport all necessary items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12617441B2Storage transport apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 NUNEZ MARCO

AI summary

A storage transport apparatus is disclosed that includes a single wheel member and a main frame. An outer shell of the single wheel member comprises a pair of shell members secured to a central member, which has a pair of pin structures internally secured at diametrically opposite ends and extending at least towards the inner shell. An inner shell of the single wheel member comprises a pair of shell bearing members positioned at diametrically opposite ends, each being rotatably secured to inner member of a corresponding pin structure extended towards the inner shell. The inner shell is formed and configured to fit within the outer shell, the outer boundary of the inner shell preferably conforming in shape with the inner boundary of the outer shell, proximally tracing the contour of the inner boundary of the outer shell. The inner shell and the outer shell are hollow in construction, with the inner shell further including a lid configured to open and close for storing a plurality of items for transportation. The inner shell is disposed within the outer shell and adapted to remain upright when the outer shell rolls in a circular motion along a ground surface. The main frame comprises a handle and is rotatably engaged with the single wheel member. Each end member of the main frame comprises a corresponding frame bearing member, and extends inwardly to rotatably engage with corresponding pin structure of the central member.