Flatbed Trolley Handle Locking Mechanism Decouples Caster Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbed trolleys have a handle that, when folded, forces the casters to fold as well, creating an obstacle for large cargo and limiting the trolley's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A flatbed trolley design where the handle is not linked to the casters, allowing the casters to remain perpendicular to the bearing frame even when the handle is folded parallel, using a handle locking mechanism to decouple the handle's rotation from the casters' folding, enabling the trolley to function normally with large cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is folded to be parallel to the bearing frame, then the handle becomes less obstructive, but the casters also fold making the trolley non-functional for large cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the handle system into two independent segments: the handle itself and the caster assembly. By introducing a decoupling mechanism with locking blocks and locking grooves, the handle can be folded independently without forcing the casters to fold, maintaining both segments' functional independence while resolving the contradiction between compact storage and cargo capacity.
2Device complexity
If the handle is linked to the casters through the gear seat, then the structure is simplified, but the casters are forced to fold when the handle is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the locking blocks can slide between locked and unlocked positions along the cross bar. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to switch between two states: linked operation (when locked) and independent operation (when unlocked), enabling the handle and casters to operate independently when needed while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle locking mechanism is added to decouple handle rotation from caster folding, then the casters can remain unfolded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through spring-loaded locking blocks that automatically engage with locking grooves. The spring force provides automatic locking when the handle is rotated, and the mechanism can be easily unlocked by applying force to overcome the spring. This self-service design minimizes the need for additional control systems while achieving the desired independent operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a flatbed trolley with casters capable of not folding when a handle rotates, which comprises a bearing frame (1), a handle (2), rotary frames (3), wheel carriers (4), and casters (5). The handle (2) is fixed at an upper portion of the bearing frame (1) via a connecting structure. The connecting structure comprises a left joint (14), a right joint (15), a left gear seat (12), a right gear seat (13), and a handle locking mechanism. The handle locking mechanism comprises a cross bar (7), locking blocks (8), connecting bars (9), switches (10), and a spring (11). The cross bar (7) is a hollow tube with an end being supported on the left gear seat (12) and the other end being supported on the right gear seat (13). An end of the cross bar (7) is provided with the locking block (8), wherein the locking block (8) is slidable along an extension direction of the cross bar (7). An end of the locking block (8) is connected to an end of the connecting bar (9), and the other end of the locking block is capable of inserting into the left joint (14) and the left gear seat (12) to lock them. The connecting bar (9) is installed within a hollow part of the cross bar (7), and the other end of the connecting bar is connected to the switch (10). Similarly, the other end of the cross bar (7) has a same structure. The spring (11) is provided between two switches (10), which thereby enables the casters be capable of not folding when the handle rotates.