Utility cart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility carts lack efficient collapsible leg mechanisms that allow for easy folding and storage, and secure erect configurations, which limits their compactness and usability in vehicles or small spaces.
Innovation Solution
The utility cart incorporates a spring-loaded support mechanism with a lock bar and internal support bracket, allowing the collapsible legs to be folded by compressing a spring, which holds the legs in an erect configuration using a pin and lever system, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cart uses fixed legs, then the cart maintains stability and structural strength, but the cart cannot be folded for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The leg mechanism transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The leg includes an upper member and lower member that can pivot relative to each other about a hinge, allowing the leg to transition between an extended stable configuration and a collapsed compact configuration. This dynamic capability enables the cart to adapt its volume while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg is divided into multiple segments (upper member and lower member) connected by a hinge, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the leg to fold at the hinge joint, reducing the overall volume of the cart for storage while maintaining the full length and stability when extended for use.
2Ease of operation
If the cart uses a simple hinge connection, then the leg can be folded easily, but the leg cannot be securely held in the erect configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically engages the locking feature to hold the leg in the erect configuration without requiring manual intervention. When the leg is extended, the spring automatically locks it in place. Conversely, when collapsing, the mechanism allows easy release. This self-service approach maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide automatic locking engagement before any potential instability occurs. The spring maintains constant force on the locking feature, ensuring the leg remains securely held in the erect configuration under various load conditions, preventing accidental collapse or instability.
3Reliability
If the cart uses a spring-loaded locking mechanism, then the leg can be securely held in position, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature and spring mechanism are integrated into a single unified component structure. The locking feature is formed as part of the leg assembly, and the spring is positioned within the same structural envelope, combining multiple functions (locking, springing, and structural support) into one integrated mechanism rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides automatic locking to hold the leg in the erect configuration, enables easy release for collapsing, and maintains structural integrity during transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the cart legs are made collapsible, then the cart can be stored compactly, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic articulated design with upper and lower members connected by a hinge. This dynamic structure maintains full structural strength when extended in the load-bearing configuration while enabling compact folding for storage, achieving both strength and collapsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature and spring mechanism are pre-configured to engage automatically when the leg is extended to its full length. This preliminary locking action ensures that the structural strength is restored and maintained immediately upon extension, before any load is applied, ensuring the leg can safely bear weights in its collapsible configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables the cart to be easily folded for compact storage and transportation while maintaining stability in the erect position, enhancing its versatility and usability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The support mechanism further comprises a spring, wherein an entirety of the spring surrounds the lock bar between the first side and the second side of the internal support bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable cart comprising an upper frame, a lower frame, and a plurality of legs attached to and supporting the upper frame and the lower frame is disclosed. Each leg is configured to be folded into a folded configuration from an erect configuration. Each leg comprises a lock configured to hold the leg in the erect configuration. The lock comprises a lock bar movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, an internal support brace, wherein the lock bar extends through the internal support brace, and a spring configured to bias the lock bar into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration. The lock bar is spring-loaded against the internal support brace, wherein the entire length of the spring surrounds the lock bar, and wherein the spring is confined entirely within the internal support brace.