Reconfigurable Ramp for Single-Person Table Truck Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting rollaway tables with rollers require at least two people due to their size and weight, and even with rollers, tables need to be lifted onto trucks for storage, making single-person operation inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A table truck with a base, frame, and a reconfigurable ramp that allows multiple rollaway tables to be stood upright and rolled onto the truck using ground wheels, and pivotal means for secure rest locations, enabling single-person loading and unloading and maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tables are lifted onto trucks for transport, then multiple tables can be transported, but at least two people are required due to the size and weight of the tables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ramp as an intermediary device that enables tables to be rolled onto the truck bed without being lifted. The ramp serves as a mediator between the ground and the truck bed, allowing the rollers on the table to engage with the ramp surface and roll the table upward into the storage space, thereby enabling single-person operation while maintaining the ability to transport multiple tables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional lifting mechanism with a rolling mechanism. Instead of requiring people to lift heavy tables vertically, the system uses rollers on the table to convert vertical lifting into horizontal rolling motion along the ramp, substituting the mechanical action of lifting with the mechanical action of rolling, which can be performed by a single person
2Ease of operation
If tables are rolled using rollers, then individual table positioning is easier, but tables still need to be lifted individually onto table trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rolling mechanism with the loading mechanism. The same rollers that enable individual table positioning are utilized to roll multiple tables onto the truck bed in sequence. The ramp is designed to accommodate multiple tables, allowing them to be rolled onto the truck one after another without requiring separate lifting operations for each table, thereby improving loading efficiency while maintaining ease of individual positioning
3Quantity of substance
If the truck is made wide to accommodate multiple tables, then more tables can be transported, but two people are needed to manoeuvre the truck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loading process into sequential rolling operations. Instead of requiring two people to maneuver a wide truck loaded with multiple tables, the ramp allows tables to be rolled onto the truck bed one at a time in a segmented manner. This segmentation enables the truck to be maneuvered by a single person while still accommodating multiple tables, as the loading process itself is divided into manageable single-table operations
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 single-person operation for loading, unloading, and moving multiple rollaway tables without lifting, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of damage during transport and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp mounted to the base or frame, reconfigurable between a transport condition clear of the ground and an operative condition contacting or almost contacting the ground for rolling the tables in turn, in a tilted position with said rollers engaging the ramp to roll therealong
Implementation Method 2
the rollers engage the ground and the table can be rolled into position for setting up
Data Source
AI summary
A table truck 10 for carrying multiple roller-carrying tables 12, the table truck comprises a bass 22 with ground wheels or castors 24. A frame 26 on the base 22 defines a storage space for multiple roller-carrying tables 12 standing generally upright on the base 22. A ramp 40 is mounted to the base 22 or frame 26, reconfigurable between a transport condition clear of the ground and an operative condition contacting or almost contacting the ground for rolling the tables in turn, in a tilted position with rollers engaging the ramp to roll therealong, up the ramp 40 onto the base 22 or down the ramp 40 from the base 22. Frame 26 further comprises pivotal arms capable of projecting into the storage space for defining respective rest locations for the respective tables when they are standing generally upright on the base.