Swivel Support Device for Wheelbarrow Maneuverability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wheelbarrows require users to lift or bear the weight of the wheelbarrow and load when moving it side to side or in any direction other than straight, which can be difficult for users with physical limitations.

Innovation Solution

A swivel support device is attached to the rear support legs of a wheelbarrow, featuring caster assemblies that allow the wheelbarrow to move in any direction without the user having to lift the weight, providing a 360-degree motion path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional wheelbarrow design is used, then the wheelbarrow can move straight forward, but the user must lift or bear the weight when moving side to side or in any other direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving wheelbarrowVSAvoidweight of wheelbarrow and load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wheelbarrow by introducing a swivel support device with caster wheels that enables 360-degree movement. This transforms the wheelbarrow from a fixed-direction transport tool to a multi-directional mobile platform, eliminating the need to lift the weight during directional changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel support device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wheelbarrow frame and the ground. It includes a swivel base with caster wheels that mediates the movement, allowing the wheelbarrow to change direction without the user bearing the full weight during the transition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a one-wheel wheelbarrow design is used, then the wheelbarrow has better maneuverability in small spaces, but the user must still lift or bear the weight when moving in directions other than straight

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidphysical effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement capabilities by incorporating a swivel mechanism with caster wheels that allow the wheelbarrow to move dynamically in any direction. This transforms the static, straight-line movement constraint into a dynamic, multi-directional movement system that adapts to various operational needs without requiring physical lifting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a two-wheel wheelbarrow design is used, then the wheelbarrow is more stable on level ground, but it lacks the ability to move easily in all directions without lifting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddirectional movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel support device provides multi-functionality by combining stability with universal directional movement capability. The caster wheels with swivel mechanism enable the wheelbarrow to function both as a stable platform and as a highly maneuverable device that can move in any direction, eliminating the trade-off between stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12233928B2Swivel support device for use with a wheelbarrow

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 RUPP HENRIK P

AI summary

A swivel support device to attach to the rear support legs of a conventional wheelbarrow to provide wheeled support that moves in all directions but does not require the user to bear an elevated weight of the wheelbarrow or its load. The device includes two (2) caster assemblies, two (2) spacer blocks, and a connecting platform. The connecting platform is envisioned to be manufactured from a laminated wood board or a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) plank. The overall dimensions of the connecting platform will vary per application.