Transport Roller With Below-Object Tipping Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport rollers require lifting and cumbersome movement of heavy objects, such as large plant pots, and often lack stability on uneven surfaces, making it difficult to move them between locations without risking tipping or damage.

Innovation Solution

A transport roller system with a support plate and rollers positioned below the object, allowing for a tipping point under the object, which enables easy tilting and movement using a drawbar, combined with adjustable support feet for stability on various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If heavy objects are moved using conventional transport rollers, then the objects can be transported from one location to another, but significant lifting force and cumbersome movement are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movementVSAvoidlifting force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the tipping point below the object rather than above it. This inversion allows the object to be tilted forward onto the rollers naturally, eliminating the need for lifting. The support plate extends below the object's center of gravity to create this sub-object tipping point, fundamentally changing the movement mechanism from lift-and-move to tilt-and-roll.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension element by extending the support plate below the object. This creates a three-dimensional support structure where the support plate has portions both above and below the object's center of gravity, enabling the unique below-object tipping point mechanism that reduces lifting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transport rollers are used on uneven surfaces, then mobility is maintained, but stability is compromised and tipping risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to surfacesVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable support feet that can dynamically adapt their position and orientation to match uneven surfaces. These support feet are configured to contact the ground at angles suitable for the specific surface conditions, allowing the transport roller to maintain stability on both flat and uneven terrain while preserving the below-object tipping point configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the support plate extends below the object to create a below-object tipping point, then tilting force is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilting forceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate serves multiple functions: it supports the object from below, creates the below-object tipping point for reduced tilting force, and provides attachment points for adjustable support feet. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the extended below-object configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effortless relocation of heavy objects by reducing the force required for tilting and movement, maintaining stability on uneven surfaces, and preventing accidental tipping, thus simplifying the handling of heavy loads like large plant pots.

Implementation Method 1

The rollers (5) and their axes of rotation (6), or a straight line passing through and along these axes of rotation, are arranged below or beneath the support plate (3) or below or beneath the receiving unit (500), in particular completely

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

enables easy tilting and movement using a drawbar, combined with adjustable support feet for stability on various surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3741646A1Transport roller
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 GRUBER GEORG
  • EP3741646A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3a
  • EP3741646A1 patent drawingFigure 3b~5
  • EP3741646A1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a transport trolley (100) for moving and/or transporting, in particular manually, at least one object (200, 201). The transport trolley (100) comprises a support plate (3) or a receiving unit (500) for placing or receiving the object (200, 201) thereon or in it, and at least or exactly two rollers (5) arranged below the support plate (3) or the receiving unit (500).Furthermore, the transport trolley (100) comprises at least one support foot (7) which is arranged below the support plate (3) or the receiving unit (500), wherein the support foot (7) and the rollers (5) are each arranged and/or designed to support the transport trolley (100) on a surface (300), and a drawbar (1) detachably connected to the support plate (3) or the receiving unit (500) by means of a connecting element (13) for tilting and, in particular, manually rolling the transport trolley (100), wherein a tilting point (27) for tilting is preferably located below the object (200, 201) or under the support plate (3) or under the receiving unit (500).