Wheelbarrow Segmented Compartments for Stable Terrain Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheelbarrows face challenges in safely and efficiently transporting and emptying loads due to obstacles, uneven terrain, and elevated locations, often requiring manual handling that is hazardous and inefficient, with unsecured containers leading to spillage and waste.

Innovation Solution

A wheelbarrow with removable compartments that can be filled in situ or carried separately, securely positioned within the receptacle to hinder movement, allowing for safer and more convenient transport and emptying, especially in inaccessible areas, and enabling easier navigation of obstacles and elevated locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a loaded wheelbarrow is pushed up a narrow ramp to traverse stairs or reach elevated locations, then access to difficult terrain is achieved, but the risk of falling backwards or sideways increases, potentially causing injury and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to difficult terrainVSAvoidrisk of falling and injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wheelbarrow load is divided into multiple separate containers that can be independently positioned within the tub. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed in a way that lowers the center of gravity and improves stability when navigating difficult terrain, reducing the risk of falling backwards or sideways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container retention mechanism is activated in advance to securely fasten containers before attempting to traverse stairs or ramps. This preliminary securing action prevents containers from shifting or falling during the hazardous maneuver, thereby preventing injury and damage before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a loaded wheelbarrow is lifted up stairs by operators, then access to elevated locations is achieved, but the risk of injury or strain from the lift increases, and the risk of injury if the wheelbarrow or material is accidentally dropped increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to elevated locationsVSAvoidrisk of injury from lifting and dropping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load is divided into multiple separate containers that can be independently handled. This allows operators to lift and position containers individually rather than handling a heavy concentrated load, reducing physical strain and the risk of injury from dropping the entire wheelbarrow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism is engaged before lifting to secure containers in place. This preliminary action prevents containers from shifting or falling during the lifting operation, thereby eliminating the risk of injury from accidental drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional wheelbarrows are used to transport material, then material transport is achieved, but spillage occurs leading to waste of materials and time-consuming cleanup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transport efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial spillage and waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wheelbarrow tub is divided into multiple separate containers rather than using a single open tub. This segmentation prevents material from spilling out during transport, as each container has its own contained space. Material waste is eliminated and cleanup time is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Containers are secured in their proper positions using the retention mechanism before transport begins. This preliminary securing action prevents containers from shifting or tipping during movement, thereby preventing material spillage and waste throughout the transport process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If additional operators are required to help push or lift the wheelbarrow, then safe transport is achieved, but overall efficiency at the work site is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe transportVSAvoidoverall efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The load is divided into multiple smaller containers that are lighter and easier to handle individually. This segmentation allows a single operator to safely transport the load without requiring additional helpers, thereby maintaining safety while improving overall efficiency at the work site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism is activated in advance to secure containers, stabilizing the load before transport. This preliminary action allows one operator to confidently and safely transport the wheelbarrow without needing additional operators for support, thus maintaining reliability while enhancing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3341259B1wheelbarrow

Publication Date: 2022.08.24 MSP INNOVATIONS PTY LTD

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AI summary

A wheelbarrow (10) including a receptacle (12) comprising a tub for carrying a load of material; a wheel assembly facilitating movement of the wheelbarrow; a handle for controlling operation of the wheelbarrow; and a plurality of removable compartments (18, 19) located within the receptacle (12), each for containing a portion of the load of material. The receptacle (12) and each removable compartment (18, 19) are configured to interact with each other so as to, in use, hinder movement of each compartment (18, 19) relative to the receptacle (12).