Steerable Trolley with Pivotable Track Rods for Tight Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting large and bulky materials, such as single-wheeled barrows or double-wheeled trolleys, are inflexible and struggle to navigate through narrow and winding passages due to limited directional control.
Innovation Solution
A steerable trolley system with a frame, axle assembly, wheels, and a steering mechanism incorporating pivotable track rods and a tiller, powered by an electric motor for propulsion, allowing for variable direction movement and tight radius turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-wheeled barrows or double-wheeled trolleys are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to move and change direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic steering by making the wheel assembly rotatable about a vertical axis in addition to wheel rotation. The steering mechanism allows the wheel plane to change orientation dynamically, enabling the trolley to navigate tight corners and change direction freely while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into independent components: a steering control assembly with track rod, separate pivot points for directional control, and independently controllable wheel orientation. This segmentation allows complex steering functionality to be achieved through coordinated simple mechanical elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trolleys with fixed axles are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ability to navigate narrow passages is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates dual-degree-of-freedom movement: rotation about the axle for forward motion and rotation about a vertical pivot axis for directional steering. This dynamic capability allows the trolley to navigate narrow passages and tight corners that would be inaccessible to traditional fixed-axle trolleys
Solution Approach 2:
A track rod serves as an intermediary mechanical element connecting the steering control to the wheel assembly. The track rod translates control input into wheel orientation changes, providing a simple yet effective means to achieve complex steering behavior without requiring sophisticated control systems
3Productivity
If electric motors are added for propulsion, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor system is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating. The motor directly drives the wheel assembly through a simple transmission, and the system automatically manages propulsion based on operational needs without requiring complex external control systems or multiple interconnected components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the efficient navigation of large or bulky objects through confined spaces, including narrow corridors and doorways, while maintaining control and stability during transport.
Implementation Method 1
the invention provides a trolley which may incorporate a motor, particularly an electric motor powered by a battery
Implementation Method 2
the controlling means being pivotable about pivot points. Preferably, the steering means incorporate track rods that pivot about spaced pivot points on the controlling means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus for transporting materials, preferably large flat objects such as panes of glass, wood panels, paintings, and the like. The preferred embodiment includes a frame, an axle assembly, wheels, and a steering means, the steering means including track rods, a controlling means for controlling the steering means, the controlling means being pivotable about pivot points on the track rods. Preferably, the apparatus includes a tray or base plate for holding the materials being transported. Preferably, the controlling means is a tiller engageable with the pivot points. Preferably, the apparatus includes a handle for directing the frame. Preferably, the steering means includes a rotating bar. Preferably, the rotating bar engages a track rod. Preferably, the apparatus includes a motor for propulsion. Most preferably, the motor is electric, powered by a battery, particularly a rechargeable battery.