Transformable Shopping Trolley Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformable devices, such as shopping carts, face difficulties in operation and increased weight and manufacturing costs due to the use of additional panels and slides, which are hindered by sand in beach environments, requiring a simpler and lighter design that avoids supernumerary parts.
Innovation Solution
A transformable shopping cart framework composed of four parts: central frame A, first end frame B, second end frame C, and support part D, with wheels mounted on central frame A, allowing for multiple positions without additional panels, using folds and pivots to change configurations, and removable locking mechanisms to maintain positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional panels and slides are used to form the trolley position, then the transformable device can achieve multiple positions, but the weight of the trolley increases and the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into four modular parts (central frame A, first end frame B, second end frame C, and support part D) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each part contains integrated folds and articulation points that eliminate the need for additional panels, reducing overall weight while maintaining transformability across multiple positions including shopping trolley, handcart, seat, deck chair, and bench configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The four frame parts are designed with universal articulation points and folds that serve multiple functions: the same structural elements enable transformation between different positions (shopping trolley, handcart, seating positions) without requiring position-specific additional panels. The removable locking means and articulated joints provide versatile connection options that work across all transformable configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If slides are used for panel movement, then the trolley can transform between positions, but sand interferes with the mechanical joints making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the slide mechanism from the design entirely. Instead of using slides that are susceptible to sand interference, the patent employs direct articulated joints and folds between frame parts that allow smooth relative movement. The second end frame C pivots on the central frame A, and the support part D articulates on the lateral arms, creating sand-resistant transformation mechanisms that maintain ease of operation in beach environments
Solution Approach 2:
The frame parts are designed with dynamic articulated connections rather than fixed slide mechanisms. The lateral arms and frame parts can rotate and pivot relative to each other through built-in articulation points, allowing adaptive movement that is not constrained by sand accumulation. This dynamic joint design enables smooth transformation between positions even in sandy conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional panels are used to form the trolley sides, then the trolley position is achieved, but the number of parts increases making the device more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of additional panels into the four main frame parts themselves. The lateral arms and frame sections are designed with integrated folds and articulation points that directly form the sides and structural elements of the trolley position. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate additional panels, reducing the total part count while maintaining the ability to form complete trolley structures in the shopping trolley and handcart positions
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 design simplifies operation, reduces weight and manufacturing costs, and prevents sand from interfering with mechanical joints, enabling smooth transformation between 'shopping trolley', 'hand cart', 'seat', 'long chair', and 'bench' positions without extra parts, enhancing usability on sandy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
each second fold of the first end frame B being mounted to move in rotation on each first fold of the central frame A
Implementation Method 2
second end frame C formed of two identical parallel lateral arms joined by at least one strip of material, mounted capable of pivoting by one of their ends at a point of the corresponding lateral arm of the central frame A
Implementation Method 3
a removable locking means being provided to hold the first end frame B in this position against the central frame A and at least one removable locking means provided to hold the support piece D in its raised position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a convertible shopping trolley (1) capable of moving from its proper position as a "shopping trolley" to one of the following positions: "Hand truck"; "seat"; "lounge chair"; and "bench", comprising a frame mounted on at least one wheel (37), characterized in that the frame is made up of four parts, namely: a central frame (A), a first end frame (B), a second end frame (C) and a support piece (D).