Stackable Trolley Snap-Fit Hinge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of flap elements and hinge joints in conventional stackable transport trolleys is complex, requiring bending and/or screwing of wires and bearing elements, making the manufacturing process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The use of snap clasp and groove mechanism in the hinge joints allows the flap back part to be easily snapped onto the axle, securing it in place with a snap clasp that locks the axle, enabling simpler assembly and rotation, while additional features like metal reinforcements and plastic injection molding enhance structural integrity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joining techniques are used to assemble hinge joints, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical joining techniques (bending and screwing of wires and bearing elements) with a snap-fit mechanism. The groove and snap clasp design allows the flap back part to be easily attached to the axle without complex tools or procedures, while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking geometry of the groove and snap clasp features
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint design enables self-assembly through the snap-fit mechanism. The groove and snap clasp are configured so that the flap back part can be easily snapped onto the axle by the assembler themselves, without requiring additional fastening operations or specialized tools. The design serves its own assembly needs through the inherent geometry of the connecting features
2Ease of manufacture
If snap clasp and groove mechanism are used for hinge joints, then assembly is simplified, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap clasp features a curved, arc-shaped geometry that wraps around the axle. This curved design distributes the mechanical loads more evenly across the connection interface, preventing stress concentration at single points. The arc-shaped snap clasp engages with the groove in a way that provides radial support, enhancing the structural integrity of the hinge joint while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the snap clasp and groove are formed from the flap back part material (providing flexibility and snap-fit action), while the axle provides a rigid rotational axis. This composite arrangement of materials and features creates a connection that is both easy to assemble and structurally sound, leveraging the strengths of each component material
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a stackable transport trolley (2) has a basket (4) with a basket flap (6) that pivots into the interior of the basket, which has - a flap front part (8) with leg openings (10) for a child seat and - a seat flap (12) and - a flap back part (18) pivotably mounted about an axis on the flap front part (8) by means of hinge joints (14), which in the position not pivoted into the interior of the basket are movable between a storage position and a seating position, in which areas of the flap back part (18) form a backrest, and areas of the seat flap (12) form a seat surface of a child seat, wherein for mounting the hinge joints (14) the flap back part (18) can be snapped onto an axis (16) on the flap front part (8).