Transport Device Leverage Mechanism for Short Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand trucks and transport devices struggle to efficiently overcome step-like obstacles, particularly short stair steps, due to geometric limitations and the need for significant effort to lift the device and its load.
Innovation Solution
A transport device utilizing a support structure with a support element that can pivot to leverage the difference in height of the step-like obstacle, allowing the device to be tilted and raised using auxiliary wheels, enabling smooth transition over short stair steps without requiring excessive effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wheels are used in hand trucks, then the device can roll smoothly on flat surfaces, but it cannot overcome step-like obstacles efficiently and requires great effort to pull upwards
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional elements: main wheels for rolling on flat surfaces, auxiliary wheels for engaging with steps, and a support element that can pivot between different positions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific terrain conditions, resolving the contradiction between smooth rolling and step-overcoming capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to be dynamic, automatically pivoting between a first position (for flat surface rolling) and a second position (for step engagement) based on the terrain. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual intervention and provides continuous ease of operation across different surface types
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary wheels are added to overcome steps, then the device can raise main wheels over obstacles, but the geometric conditions prevent effective use on short stair steps
Solution Approach 1:
The support element's ability to pivot between positions creates a dynamic system that adapts to different step geometries. On short steps, the support element pivots to position the auxiliary wheels optimally, while on taller steps, it assumes a different configuration. This dynamic behavior provides versatility across all step height scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main frame and the auxiliary wheels, mediating their relative positions and orientations. This intermediary function allows the auxiliary wheels to engage with steps of varying heights and geometries, resolving the geometric limitations that previously prevented effective operation on short steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is designed to pivot between positions, then the device can adapt to different step geometries, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is merged with the main support structure through a pivot connection, combining the functions of structural support and geometric adaptation into a single integrated component. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different step geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables pivoting motion for adaptation, and connects the main frame to the auxiliary wheels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving geometric adaptability
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 transport device effectively overcomes step-like obstacles, including short stair steps, by leveraging the support element to raise the main wheels, reducing the effort required to navigate stairs and ensuring the device can handle loads up to 50 kg or more.
Implementation Method 1
A transport device (2) is disclosed which is suitable for overcoming a step-like obstacle (1) by means of a leverage effect
Implementation Method 2
The support structure (3) can be supported against an upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) via the support element (10), in which the support element (10) can be set down on the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) by a tilting movement of the support structure (3) towards the step-like obstacle (1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport device (2) for overcoming a step-like obstacle (1), wherein the transport device (2) is movable in a traveling position and has a support structure (3) for supporting a load (4) to be transported. The task of the transport device (2) according to the invention is to overcome the difference in height of the step-like obstacle (1) by means of a leverage effect, whereby the transport device (2) should be usable on short stair steps. This task is accomplished in that via a tilting movement of the support structure (3) towards the step-like obstacle (1) a support element (10) of the transport device (2) can be set down on an upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) and the support structure (3) can be tilted over the support element (10) set down in this way, and in that the transport device (2) has a connecting element (11), and in that the transport device (2) has a guide element (12) connected to the support structure (3), and in that the connecting element (11) is guided by the guide element (12), and in that the support element (10) is connected to the connecting element (11) in an articulated manner, and in that the connecting element (11) can be pivoted from a first into a second position relative to the support element (10) and brought from a first into a second position relative to the guide element (12), while the support structure (3) is supported against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) via the support element (10).