Stackable Shopping Cart Frame with Offset Rear Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shopping trolleys face challenges in efficiently stacking multiple units closely to save space during transport, particularly when carrying large-volume top storage devices that require sufficient support to prevent bending and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The design modifies the shopping trolley's chassis by bending the upper and lower frame elements together, creating a larger space between the upper and lower storage devices, and offsetting the rear and front frame sections to allow for tight stacking, with the lower storage device's section sloping rearwardly to accommodate two crates securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the upper storage device is made large-volume, then the cargo capacity is improved, but the support structure becomes more complex and vulnerable to bending and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple frame sections (front frame section, rear frame section, cross-connecting piece) that work together to support the upper storage device. Each segment performs a specific structural function, distributing the load and reducing complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame sections are nested within the chassis structure, with the support frames integrated into the overall cart framework. The cross-connecting piece connects the front and rear frame sections, creating a nested structural arrangement that provides support while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If the shopping carts are stacked closely, then the transport space efficiency is improved, but the stacking distance becomes very narrow requiring precise structural alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The frame sections are designed with asymmetric configurations where the front frame section and rear frame section have different orientations and positions. This asymmetric design allows the carts to interlock in a specific stacked arrangement, achieving tight stacking while maintaining structural stability through the offset positioning of frame elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the stacking problem from a one-dimensional vertical stacking to a three-dimensional interlocking arrangement. The frame sections extend in multiple directions and interlock with adjacent carts, creating a stable stacked configuration that achieves narrow stacking distances through spatial optimization rather than simple vertical stacking.
3Volume of moving object
If the lower storage device is designed to accommodate two crates, then the cargo capacity is improved, but the space requirement for loading and unloading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower storage device is positioned and oriented so that its top surface aligns with the adjacent ground or loading surface, creating an equipotential interface that eliminates the need for lifting crates vertically. The sloping rearward configuration of the lower storage device sections facilitates smooth rolling of crates onto and off the storage platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower storage device sections are designed with sloping, curved surfaces that facilitate the rolling motion of crates. The rearward slope creates a gradual transition zone that makes it easier to load and unload crates by reducing the vertical height difference and providing a smooth rolling path.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A stackable shopping cart (1) has a lower (12) and an upper frame element (13), wherein both frame elements (12, 13) are bent downwards on both longitudinal sides (10) and in an area (24) located between the front and rear casters (3, 4), wherein the chassis (2) has a support device (16) at the rear, which is connected to the lower and upper frame elements (12, 13) and has a support frame (17) on each side, wherein each support frame (17) is equipped with a support means (21) arranged at the top for attaching an upper storage device (5), wherein each support frame (17) further comprises a rear frame section (18) and a front frame section (19) and wherein a cross connecting piece (23) is provided at the rear.The two frame elements form a common bend (27), and a section (28a) of the support surface (28) of the lower support device (6) located between the common bend (27) and a first support point (14) for a lower support device (6) either runs parallel to the upper frame element (13) or is arranged at a steeper angle than the upper frame element (13).