The two patent product designs, Stepmate Carryframe for Trolley Bags and Stair-Climbing Trolley Bag, were invented by Dr. Venkateswara Rao Penugonda, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Physics at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and the other co-inventors from NIT Warangal, PVPSIT Vijayawada, India. These designs facilitate the easy transportation of a trolley bag, especially when navigating stairs. While trolley bags are convenient to drag on smooth surfaces, they pose challenges when ascending or descending stairs due to the need to lift the bag. To overcome this challenge, a set of three wheels on both sides of the bag is utilized as an alternative, thereby reducing the effort of lifting. The concept of arranging the three-wheel movement produces less rotational friction than static friction. This concept can be applied to both products.
This invention features a frame to which the bag can be securely attached. The frame is equipped with three wheels, akin to those found on trolley bags designed for smooth surfaces. The wheels are strategically positioned to provide stability and ease of movement, ensuring a seamless experience for users when tackling stairs with the trolley bag. Here presented, three wheels are designed using the CATIA P3 V5 R11 version. The design considerations involve factors such as the steepness of the stairs, the stability of the trolley, and its climbing speed on the stairs.
Dr. Penugonda highlighted the critical role of physics concepts in this invention, and the two designs were published in the Indian Patent Office Journal No. 12/2024, dated 22/03/2024. He mentioned that based on the simulation results, the team will construct the products and apply for utility patents.
Photo caption: Dr. Venkatewara Penugonda, Head, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of The West Indies, Mona.
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Published on 11 Apr, 2024
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