Trolley Edge Protection via Folded Sheet Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trolleys pose a risk of injury during loading due to sharp-edged upper surfaces, which complicates handling and safety when users need to load cargo over the side walls.
Innovation Solution
The trolley's surface element is equipped with edge protection, designed as a one-piece folded metal sheet creating a rounded edge that minimizes the risk of cuts and abrasions, with the edge section flush with the posts or crossbar, and optionally a separate clamping rail for additional protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the upper edge of the surface element is left sharp for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of cuts and abrasions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by folding the sheet metal surface element to create a rounded upper edge instead of a sharp one. The folding process transforms the straight edge into a curved profile with a defined bending radius, eliminating the harmful sharp edge while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing compared to adding separate protective components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface element is folded to create edge protection, then user safety improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural surface element itself. By folding the existing sheet metal to create the protective edge, the invention combines the load-bearing surface with the safety feature into a single integrated component, avoiding the need for separate protective parts and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the surface element by introducing a folded configuration with specific bending radius and edge section length. This parameter change transforms the sharp edge into a rounded protective edge, achieving safety improvement through controlled deformation rather than adding complex structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate clamping rail is added for edge protection, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the main surface element by creating a folded edge section that can be considered a separate functional element. This folded edge acts as an independent protective component that is integrated into the structure, providing enhanced protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trolley, in particular a roll container, for receiving general cargo, with a base assembly (2) having a plurality of rollers (3) and a frame (6) supported by the base assembly (2), wherein the frame (6) has at least one side wall element (20, 21, 22) with a surface element (12, 13, 14, 15) formed from sheet metal, wherein the surface element (12, 13, 14, 15) is equipped with an edge protection (17) on an upper edge (16) facing away from the base assembly (2).