Utility Cart Pivotable Wheel Assembly for Stowage Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility carts face challenges in efficiently transitioning between transport and stowage configurations, particularly in rugged terrain and heavy load handling, while also needing to be versatile for various applications and vehicle integration.
Innovation Solution
A utility cart design featuring a pivotable wheel and handle assembly with a locking mechanism, bearing wheels, and a hitch-mounted rack system that allows for easy conversion between transport and stowage modes, enabling stable travel and compact storage, and accommodating different vehicle types and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the utility cart uses a fixed wheel and handle assembly, then the structure is simple, but the cart cannot transition between transport and stowage configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel and handle assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to pivot between different orientations. The assembly can rotate about a pivot point to transition from a transport configuration (wheel on ground) to a stowage configuration (wheel elevated), enabling the cart to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement
2Reliability
If the utility cart uses a locking mechanism with multiple locking pins, then the stowage configuration is secure, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking pins (first locking pin, second locking pin) that can independently engage with corresponding catches. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide multiple discrete locking points along the cargo hold, ensuring secure stowage while maintaining modularity that simplifies the overall design compared to a single complex locking system
3Ease of operation
If the utility cart uses bearing wheels for stowage, then the stowage mobility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing wheels serve multiple functions: they enable the cart to roll during transport, facilitate easy loading and unloading onto vehicle racks, and assist in maneuvering the cart during stowage operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities across different phases of cart usage
4Force
If the utility cart is designed for heavy load handling, then the load capacity is improved, but the ease of maneuvering in rugged terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cart employs a vertical dimension solution by using bearing wheels that allow the cart to be lifted and rolled onto vehicle racks. This vertical loading approach complements the horizontal towing capability, enabling heavy loads to be managed through a combination of ground-based towing and rack-based vertical transport, thus maintaining maneuverability in rugged terrain while preserving load capacity
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
The solution enhances the utility cart's functionality by facilitating smooth terrain traversal, stable load handling, and versatile vehicle integration, ensuring efficient transport and storage across diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that biases the locking mechanism in a direction that is parallel to a length of the cargo hold
Implementation Method 2
the wheel being rotatably coupled to a distal end of the wheel arm
Implementation Method 3
the wheel arm and handle arm coupled together at an angle and adjacent a pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a utility cart includes (a) a cargo hold having a cargo bed; (b) an assembly having a wheel arm having a first catch, a handle arm having a second catch, and a wheel; the wheel arm and handle arm coupled together at an angle and adjacent a pivot point; the wheel rotatably coupled to a distal end of the wheel arm; (c) a locking mechanism and a spring member, the locking mechanism having a first locking pin and a second locking pin; and (d) a plurality of bearing wheels disposed below a bottom surface of the cargo bed.