Stamped Roller Connection for Stackable Trolley Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing stackable trolleys require expensive forged components for connecting rollers to the chassis, which involves numerous post-processing steps and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of molded parts, specifically stamped and bent components, eliminates the need for forged components by simplifying the connection process and reducing costs, while maintaining necessary manufacturing accuracy and stability through convex designs and precise alignment mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If forged components are used for connecting rollers to the chassis, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to numerous post-processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing method from forging to stamping and bending processes. The connection component is produced by stamping metal sheets and bending them into the required shape, which eliminates the need for expensive forging and post-processing while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for the application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a cheaper stamped and bent metal component instead of an expensive forged component. The design accepts that the component may have limited service life but compensates through optimized geometry and material selection, achieving cost-effective production without sacrificing functional requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If forged components are used for connecting rollers to the chassis, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and time consumption increase due to required post-processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing process parameters from forging (high temperature, high pressure) to stamping and bending (room temperature, controlled force). This allows for precise dimensional control during the forming process itself, eliminating the need for subsequent machining or heat treatment to achieve required tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates all necessary geometric features and structural characteristics directly into the stamping and bending process. The connection component is pre-formed with the exact shape and dimensions required, including any necessary reinforcements or attachment features, before assembly occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If stamped and bent parts are used instead of forged components, then the manufacturing cost and ease of production are improved, but the connection strength and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes curved and bent geometries in the stamped connection component to distribute stresses more effectively. The bending process creates natural stress distribution patterns that can be optimized to enhance structural strength while maintaining the advantages of stamping production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent may combine the stamped metal connection component with other materials or structural elements to achieve the required strength. This could include using high-strength steel sheets, incorporating reinforcement ribs, or designing the connection to work in conjunction with other structural components of the trolley

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If stamped and bent parts are used instead of forged components, then the productivity and output per unit time are improved, but the manufacturing precision and quality control become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction outputVSAvoidquality control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the stamping and bending process to produce the final component shape in one or few operations, with all critical dimensions and features established during forming. This preliminary action ensures consistent quality across production batches without requiring complex post-processing or inspection routines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the stamping and bending process parameters (material selection, sheet thickness, forming forces, tooling design) to achieve the required precision consistently. By controlling these parameters during the high-speed stamping process, the patent maintains manufacturing quality while achieving high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2985202B1Nestable transport vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 WANZL METALLWARENFAB GMBH
  • EP2985202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2985202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2985202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a stackable transport trolley (10) with a chassis (12), wherein the chassis (12) is equipped with rollers (14, 16), wherein at least one connection (20) is provided for attaching at least one roller (16) to the chassis (12), wherein the connection (20) comprises at least one stamped and bent part or stamped and embossed part (22).