Stackable Trolley Wire Shelves Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stackable trolleys with child seats have limited storage space due to the seating arrangement, which restricts their utility for carrying larger items.

Innovation Solution

A stackable trolley design featuring multiple parallel horizontal shelves with a sliding device and a frame, where each shelf is formed from bent horizontal wires connected by vertical prongs for secure storage, and equipped with holding means and stabilization aids to prevent items from slipping or falling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a child seat is added to the trolley, then the trolley can accommodate children, but the storage space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechild seat accommodationVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is divided into multiple separate shelves (first shelf, second shelf, third shelf) that can independently store different items. This segmentation allows the storage space to be distributed across multiple levels, providing adequate storage capacity even when a child seat is attached to the frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes vertical dimension by arranging shelves at different heights (upper, middle, lower positions) on the frame. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes storage capacity within the available vertical space, accommodating both child seat requirements and storage needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple horizontal shelves are added to increase storage area, then storage capacity increases, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each shelf is constructed from multiple parallel wires that are segmented and connected to the frame. This wire-based segmentation creates multiple shelves without requiring complex support structures, as each wire acts as an independent structural element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wires forming each shelf are bent at specific locations to create localized support points and tray-forming sections. This local bending provides structural reinforcement exactly where needed (at the bends and connection points) while keeping the overall shelf structure simple and lightweight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If wires are bent to form secure storage areas for trays, then tray stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetray stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wires are bent only at specific locations to form tray-shaped storage areas, rather than forming complete enclosed trays. This localized bending provides adequate tray stability while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity compared to forming complete tray structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wire structure acts as a flexible framework that can be bent into tray-form configurations. The wires provide structural support through their flexibility and ability to maintain bent shapes, creating stable tray areas without requiring rigid, complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2048056B1Stackable transport trolley
Publication Date: 2012.01.11 WANZL METALLWARENFAB GMBH
  • EP2048056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2048056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2048056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

On a frame (4) there are several places of deposit (6), which make it possible to deposit a tray. On the frame there are three places of deposit, i.e. top (6.1), center (6.2) and bottom (6.3) places of deposit. The distance between the center and bottom places of deposit corresponds to the distance between the center and top places of deposit. Each place of deposit is made from one or more horizontal wires (6.4).