A Brief Discussion on Common Malfunctions Analysis and Improvement Suggestions for Manual Gourd Trolley

Abstract

The manual gourd trolley, a common material handling tool, is widely used in agricultural, industrial, and logistical settings. However, frequent malfunctions often disrupt operational efficiency and increase maintenance costs. This paper analyzes common malfunctions of manual gourd trolleys, proposes improvement suggestions, and aims to provide practical references for users and manufacturers.

Keywords

Manual gourd trolley; Common malfunctions; Improvement suggestions; Maintenance efficiency

1. Introduction

The manual gourd trolley, known for its simple structure, low cost, and ease of use, is a critical tool for short-distance material transportation. However, due to poor working conditions, heavy loads, and frequent use, malfunctions such as wheel damage, handle deformation, and bearing wear are common. These issues not only affect work efficiency but also pose safety risks. Therefore, analyzing common malfunctions and proposing targeted improvement suggestions is of great practical significance.

2. Common Malfunctions Analysis

2.1 Wheel-Related Malfunctions

Malfunction Type: Wheel wear, deformation, or rotation failure.

Causes:

Uneven road surfaces cause excessive wear.

Overloading leads to deformation or fracture.

Poor-quality bearings result in rotation resistance or jamming.

Impact: Reduced mobility, increased labor intensity, and potential safety hazards.

2.2 Handle and Frame Deformation

Malfunction Type: Handle bending, frame cracking, or joint loosening.

Causes:

Long-term overload use causes metal fatigue.

Sudden impact or improper operation leads to structural damage.

Impact: Reduced load capacity, unstable operation, and potential accidents.

2.3 Bearing and Axle Wear

Malfunction Type: Abnormal noise, increased rotation resistance, or complete failure.

Causes:

Insufficient lubrication accelerates wear.

Poor-quality materials or improper installation reduce service life.

Impact: Reduced efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety risks.

2.4 Auxiliary Component Failures

Malfunction Type: Brake system failure, load-bearing plate damage, or corrosion.

Causes:

Long-term exposure to moisture causes rusting.

Poor design or material selection leads to premature failure.

Impact: Reduced functionality, shortened service life, and increased replacement costs.

3. Improvement Suggestions

3.1 Wheel Optimization

Material Upgrade: Use high-strength, wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane wheels to enhance durability and adaptability to rough terrain.

Design Improvement: Adopt double-row wheel structures or shock-absorbing systems to reduce vibration and extend service life.

Maintenance: Regularly inspect wheel alignment and bearing conditions, and replace damaged parts promptly.

3.2 Handle and Frame Reinforcement

Material Selection: Use high-strength alloy steel or reinforced composites to improve load capacity and impact resistance.

Structural Design: Optimize the frame geometry to distribute stress evenly and reduce stress concentration.

Manufacturing Process: Strengthen welding quality control and adopt anti-corrosion coatings to extend service life.

3.3 Bearing and Axle Enhancement

Material and Lubrication: Use high-precision, self-lubricating bearings and apply anti-wear grease to reduce friction and wear.

Sealing Design: Improve sealing performance to prevent dust and moisture ingress, extending bearing life.

Installation Standards: Standardize installation processes to ensure proper alignment and preload, reducing premature failure risks.

3.4 Auxiliary Component Improvements

Brake System: Upgrade to drum or disc brakes for enhanced braking performance and safety.

Load-Bearing Plates: Use anti-slip, wear-resistant materials and reinforce edges to prevent deformation.

Anti-Corrosion Measures: Apply galvanizing, painting, or other coatings to protect metal parts from rusting.

4. Conclusion

The manual gourd trolley, despite its simplicity, faces challenges in reliability and durability due to harsh working conditions. By systematically analyzing common malfunctions and implementing targeted improvements—such as material upgrades, structural reinforcements, and maintenance optimizations—users can significantly enhance trolley performance, reduce maintenance costs, and improve operational safety. Manufacturers should also prioritize ergonomic designs and modular structures to facilitate upgrades and repairs, thereby extending the product's lifecycle and user satisfaction.

Future Research Directions:

Explore lightweight, high-strength materials for further weight reduction and load capacity enhancement.

Develop smart monitoring systems to predict malfunctions and optimize maintenance schedules.

Promote standardized designs to facilitate interoperability and reduce costs.

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