Transport Trolley Swivel Roller Steering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport trolleys face limitations in maneuverability and stability, particularly on uneven ground, with complex structures and insufficient tipping security, and require rotation to move perpendicular to their longitudinal direction, which restricts movement of multiple trolleys in a train configuration.
Innovation Solution
A transport trolley design featuring a support frame with a pair of castors arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, where the first castors are connected for forced steering and can pivot independently, allowing for movement in any direction without reorientation, combined with a freely swiveling second castor and optional third castor for enhanced stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed rollers are arranged in the middle to ensure directional stability, then stability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates as the trolley must be rotated 90° to move perpendicular to its longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley is divided into functionally distinct roller groups: fixed rollers (7a, 7b) for stability and freely pivotable steering rollers (15, 17) for maneuverability. This segmentation allows each group to perform its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between stability and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering rollers are designed with dynamic pivotability, allowing them to rotate freely about steering axes perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis. This dynamic capability enables the trolley to move in any direction without rotation, eliminating the need for 90° maneuvers while maintaining stability through the fixed rollers.
2Ease of operation
If freely swiveling castors are spaced from the ground when the trolley is horizontal, then maneuverability is improved, but stability on uneven ground deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering rollers are designed with both pivotability and ground contact capability. They can pivot about steering axes while maintaining contact with the ground, providing dynamic adaptation to uneven surfaces. This allows the trolley to maneuver freely while保持稳定 on irregular terrain through continuous ground contact.
3Ease of operation
If multiple chains are used to connect wheel pairs for positive steering, then steering control is improved, but structural complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential steering function from complex multi-chain systems. By using a single chain (29) connected to only one steering roller (15) while the other roller (17) pivots freely, the design achieves adequate steering control with minimal structural complexity, eliminating the need for multiple chains and complex linkages.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3b
Figure 4a~4c
Figure 4d~4e
AI summary
The carriage (1) has a support frame (3) arranged on a link assembly (5). A first pair of swivel rollers (7a, 7b) rotates along a roll axis (11a, 11b) and a longitudinal center axis (L) of the support frame. A second pair of swivel rollers (15) is connected with the first pair of swivel rollers. The first pair of swivel rollers and the second pair of the swivel rollers move along direction of a steering axle of cases. A drawbar is coupled with the link assembly and a connecting device. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a transport carriage moving method (2) a transport carriage manufacturing kit.