Direct-Attach Wheeling Device for Packaged Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for heavy or bulky items are difficult to transport manually due to their weight and size, often requiring multiple people and resulting in increased handling costs, and the attachment of wheels or castors complicates recycling and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A wheeling device with a clamp connector that attaches directly to the packaging using a base plate with flaps that lock into place, allowing easy installation and removal, and is composed of recyclable materials like nylon, enabling convenient handling and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If castors are attached to packaged articles by inserting a sheet of additional material and attaching castors through the packaging, then the packaged articles can be moved by hand, but the procedure is very labour intensive and the package becomes difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeling device is divided into separate components: a base plate that attaches directly to the packaging and a wheel assembly that connects to the base plate. This segmentation allows the base plate to be simple and flat, eliminating the need for additional insertion materials while maintaining ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the intermediate sheet material from the attachment process. The base plate directly engages with the packaging surface, extracting the unnecessary intermediate component that previously caused labour intensity and recycling difficulties.
2Ease of operation
If castors are attached to packaged articles by inserting a sheet of additional material, then the packaged articles can be moved by hand, but the package containing additional material and castors will be difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate sheet material is completely removed from the system. The base plate attaches directly to the packaging, eliminating the additional material that previously contaminated the packaging stream and prevented recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is made from the same or compatible recyclable material as the packaging (such as corrugated board), ensuring that the entire package can be recycled together without material contamination. This homogeneity of material composition enables straightforward recycling processing.
3Reliability
If wheels are attached to pallets by resilient fit with retaining structure, then the wheels can be securely retained on the structure, but the installation requires forces and simple tools such as a hammer
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate provides a flat, stable mounting surface that distributes attachment forces evenly across the packaging. This creates an equipotential attachment interface that requires no impact forces or special tools, allowing simple snap-fit or adhesive attachment methods to achieve reliable retention.
4Strength
If packaging materials are used to protect goods during transport, then the goods are protected, but when the packages are heavy and/or awkward in shape they may still be difficult to transport by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it maintains the structural integrity of the packaging bottom, provides a mounting surface for the wheel assembly, and distributes the package weight across the packaging surface. This multi-functionality adds mobility capability without compromising the protective function of the original packaging.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a wheeling device (1) for a packaged article which may be directly attached to the packaging of the article and which comprises wheeling means (33). The invention also provides a wheelable package for an article comprising at least one wheeling device (1) according to the present invention, the wheeling device (1) being directly attached to the package. The invention further provides a method of improving the handlability of a packaged article comprising directly attaching to the packaging of the article one or more wheeling devices (1) of the invention.