Tapered Rolling Body Transport Device for Rough Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices with small wheels or rollers are unsuitable for rough ground due to limited compatibility with obstacles, while those with large wheels are cumbersome and heavy, and both types easily sink into soft ground.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a support structure, a coupling element, and a rolling body that tapers in diameter towards the ends, allowing self-stabilization and compatibility with uneven surfaces, featuring a center of gravity below the plane facing the ground, and a rolling body that can rotate to overcome obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If small wheels or rollers are used, then the transport device is lighter and more compact, but it becomes unsuitable for rough ground and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical rolling body instead of conventional wheels or rollers. The spherical shape allows the transport device to roll over obstacles and adapt to uneven ground surfaces without getting stuck, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. The sphere can rotate in multiple directions, providing versatility for navigating rough terrain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large wheels or rollers are used, then the transport device becomes suitable for rough ground, but it increases weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical rolling body achieves adaptability to rough ground without the weight penalty of large traditional wheels. The sphere's geometry allows it to overcome obstacles through rotation rather than requiring large diameter, thus maintaining a lightweight design while providing off-road capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional wheels are mounted at the side, then the transport device is stable, but it increases width and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical rolling body is positioned centrally beneath the transport container rather than at the sides. This central positioning reduces the overall width of the device while the sphere's ability to rotate in multiple directions provides inherent stability. The sphere acts as a single-point support that can adapt to various ground conditions without requiring wide spacing.
4Volume of moving object
If small contact area is used, then the transport device is more compact, but it sinks into soft ground
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical rolling body concentrates the load on a small contact area, which allows for a compact design. The spherical shape enables the device to roll over soft ground rather than sinking, as the rolling motion distributes the load over time and allows the sphere to find harder paths through the soft terrain.
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
The device provides stability and minimizes tipping, reduces torque, and adapts to uneven terrain, enhancing usability on rough ground without increasing weight or bulk.
Implementation Method 1
In operative use, the rolling body rolls over the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
the center of gravity of the transport container is arranged below the described plane; thus, similarly to a pendulum, a return force or torque is exerted on the device, as soon as the device is rotated about its longitudinal axis out of its equilibrium position
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device, in particular for transporting luggage, includes a support structure, a coupling element or a handle and a rolling body in addition to a transport container for receiving objects, in particular luggage. The rolling body has a rotational symmetry and is configured such that it tapers in diameter towards the ends along the axis of symmetry. Because of the arrangement and design of the transport container, the transport device is self-stabilizing in operative use.