Transport Trolley with Open-Side Frame for Easy Basket Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trolleys for rinsing baskets in cleaning and disinfection devices are cumbersome to handle due to the need to apply lateral force and navigate around the trolley to position the basket correctly, leading to increased effort and risk of tilting, especially for heavier baskets and shorter users.

Innovation Solution

A trolley design with an open side facing away from the cleaning and disinfection device allows direct access between support rails, featuring transverse connecting struts for stability, and separate rollers for the basket and drip tray to facilitate smooth movement and prevent tilting, along with a detachable tub for easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support frame has a closed structure with connecting struts on both sides, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must step around the trolley to push baskets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is segmented into two distinct configurations: a stable transport configuration with connecting struts on both sides, and an open loading configuration with the second connecting strut removed. This segmentation allows the trolley to switch between stability and ease of operation based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic structure that can be reconfigured. The second connecting strut can be selectively removed or positioned to create an open side, allowing the frame to adapt between stable transport mode and easy-loading mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If users apply lateral force to push the rinsing basket from the side, then the basket can be moved into the rinsing chamber, but the basket may tilt on the support rails increasing effort required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame dynamically changes from a closed structure during transport to an open structure during loading, creating a clear path that guides users to push from the front rather than the side, preventing tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The open support frame configuration acts as an intermediary that facilitates proper pushing technique by physically guiding the user's approach direction, eliminating the need for lateral pushing that causes tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the support frame is designed with an open side for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is segmented into essential structural elements (first connecting strut, support rails) that maintain stability, and optional elements (second connecting strut) that can be removed to create open access without compromising core structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic structure that can be reconfigured. The second connecting strut can be selectively removed or positioned to create an open side, allowing the frame to adapt between stable transport mode and easy-loading mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies the handling of rinsing baskets by allowing direct approach and reduced resistance, preventing tilting, and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance of the trolley components.

Implementation Method 1

The support rails are provided with rollers, in particular basket rollers, for holding the washing basket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2962617B1Transport trolley for washing baskets of a cleaning and disinfecting device
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2962617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport trolley for dishwashing baskets of a cleaning and disinfection device, comprising a support frame (8) which has two spaced-apart support rails (10, 11) for receiving a dishwashing basket (5). To provide a transport trolley that simplifies handling for the user, the invention proposes a transport trolley of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the support frame side (15) extending in the spacing direction (13) on one side of the support rails (10, 11) is open.