Utility Cart Frame Assembly with Split Handle and Undercarriage Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility carts have a frame assembly and handle assembly that prevents rear access to the tray and lacks adequate bracing, making them uncomfortable and inefficient for carrying and lifting loads.

Innovation Solution

A utility cart frame assembly with a split handle assembly and an undercarriage interface featuring a cross-brace member and axle channel, providing direct support and rigidity to the tray, allowing rear access and improved ergonomics during transport and lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional utility cart frame assembly with a laterally extending handle member is used, then the handle assembly provides a carrying grip and lifting grip, but the loop-like handle prevents user access to the tray from the rearward side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access to trayVSAvoidhandle assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is segmented into separate components: the handle member is separated from the cross-brace function, allowing the cross-brace to be a distinct structural element that provides tray support while the handle member provides user access and gripping functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-brace member is extracted from the handle assembly loop structure and positioned to directly brace the tray, eliminating the loop configuration that blocked rear access while maintaining the bracing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If the handle member is spaced from the tray to form a loop, then the handle assembly provides ergonomic gripping, but the handle member does not directly brace the tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray bracingVSAvoidergonomic handling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-brace member is merged with the tray support structure through direct coupling, combining the bracing function with the tray reinforcement function in a single integrated component that provides both structural support and ergonomic handle positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-brace member acts as an intermediary element that transfers forces between the tray and the handle assembly, providing direct bracing to the tray while maintaining the handle member at an ergonomic distance for user gripping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tray is disposed close to the ground to maintain a low center of gravity, then the cart is stable during transport, but the handle assembly must extend upwardly making it less ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter of gravityVSAvoidhandle ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is extended in the longitudinal dimension rather than requiring excessive vertical extension, allowing the handle member to reach comfortable gripping height while the cross-brace provides structural support, thus maintaining low center of gravity without compromising ergonomics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8851486B2Utility cart frame assembly and undercarriage interface

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 THE IAMS CO

AI summary

A utility cart frame assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a handle assembly cross brace member and a wheel assembly with an axle. The cross brace member and the axle are coupled to, and are immediately adjacent, the tray. In this configuration, the handle assembly cross brace member and the axle provide support to the tray.