Collapsible Trolley With Run-In Wheel Axle for Level Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled carrying structures require significant effort and attention to operate the locking mechanism when moving between a lower floor surface and a higher loading area, often necessitating two persons to prevent spontaneous collapse during transport.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled carrying structure with a collapsible undercarriage featuring a run-in wheel axle that automatically locks or unlocks the supporting wheel axles, allowing for easy movement onto a higher platform without separate operation, and includes ergonomic handles and brake controls for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to prevent spontaneous collapse, then the carrying structure maintains stability during transport, but the operation becomes complex and requires significant attention and effort when moving between levels
Solution Approach 1:
The run-in wheel axle automatically triggers the locking or unlocking of the supporting wheel axles through its own movement, without requiring separate manual operation. When the run-in wheel axle moves to a folded-out position, it automatically locks the supporting wheel axles; when folded-in, it automatically unlocks them. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system self-regulating based on the run-in wheel's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking of the supporting wheel axles is performed in advance by the movement of the run-in wheel axle before the actual loading or unloading operation begins. The run-in wheel's movement pre-triggers the locking mechanism, ensuring stability is established before the carrying frame needs to be secured, thereby simplifying the overall operation sequence.
2Ease of operation
If the run-in wheel is folded-out to assist movement onto a higher platform, then mobility between levels is improved, but the structure becomes less compact during mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The run-in wheel axle is designed to be dynamically positionable, switching between a folded-in position for compact mobile use and a folded-out position for assistance during loading/unloading operations. This dynamic adaptability allows the structure to optimize its form factor based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between compactness and mobility assistance.
3Reliability
If separate operation is required for locking and unlocking, then precise control is achieved, but the operation requires more time and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking operations are merged into a single action triggered by the movement of the run-in wheel axle. The same movement that positions the run-in wheel also simultaneously locks or unlocks the supporting wheel axles through the coupled locking means, eliminating the need for separate control operations and reducing overall operation time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheeled carrying structure with collapsible undercarriage provided with a carrying frame, two supporting wheel axles; both with at least one wheel, which are connected with lockable swivelling legs to the carrying frame for moving the supporting wheel axles between a mobile position at a distance from the carrying frame and a collapsed position located near the carrying frame. The invention also relates to methods for moving a wheeled carrying structure of this kind between a higher and a lower base.