Weight & Gradient Testing
Ash Dunbabin
This post comes from a technical document we have developed detailing Trolley Stoppers gradient and weight handling specifications.
Method
Our testing methodology uses two primary tests. The first is a controlled indoor method using an artificially created gradient using craft wood at a gradient of 3.2 degree. The second test is an outside (real world) environment at 3.2 degrees, and also a further test at 5.7 degree. The weight used in the shopping cart / trolley are one or more (up to four equalling 100kgs) bags of pool salt. Each bag weighs 25kg in weight. The adhesive used during the testing phase was a temporary glue to adhere the Trolley Stopper to the test surface. Certainly in real world adhesion we would use an approved road marker adhesive such as Megapoxy 36 gun grade epoxy.
The angle of 3.2 degree was selected as that is the maximum allowed gradient in parking facilities in Australia and New Zealand - see the Parking Facilities Standard - AS/NZS 2890.1:2004 document for reference. Most jurisdictions will have their own set of specifications and you should refer to those to ascertain if Trolley Stopper is suitable for your area. The angle of 5.7 degree was selected as an extreme test to demonstrate Trolley Stopper capability.
Controlled Tests
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3.2 Degree maximum parking surface angle:
The next step to this testing was to add weight to the trolley / cart and observe that the Trolley Stopper was able to hold the shopping trolley / cart in place. We used standard bags of pool salt to simulate weight. Each bag weighs 25kg.
The first test was 25kg of weight which held with no issues:
The second test was 50kgs which also held with no issues:
The third test was 75kgs. Once again no issues with restraining the trolley:
The fourth and final test was 100kgs which also held the trolley in-place without failure. However, 100kgs is quite difficult to handle in a trolley and we believe this kind of weight in a trolley / cart would be rare in the real world as the trolley is very hard to maneuver in place.
Note: 3.2 degree is quite a large gradient and does not represent the majority of actual shopping centre car parking lots. In our experience, we have found the common gradient to be between 1.0 to 2.5 degree in most cases.
Outside Tests
In our outdoor testing, we tested with the same weight levels as the above controlled tests. The gradient was 3.2 & 5.7 degree. We used a temporary adhesive to keep the Trolley Stopper in place while testing.
3.2 Degree with 25kg:
3.2 Degree with 50kg:
3.2 Degree with 75kg:
3.2 Degree with 100kg:
As you can see, Trolley Stopper is able to hold 100kg at the highest allowable gradient in a shopping centre in Australia. However, we took our testing to a higher level just to prove it could handle more than the standard.
The next series of tests were conducted with a gradient of 5.7 degrees. This is well outside the Australian specifications for a car park.
5.7 degree gradient:
5.7 Degree with 25kg:
5.7 degree with 50kg:
5.7 degree with 75kg:
We often get asked if Trolley Stopper will work with the front wheel instead of the back wheel. The answer to this is yes. One reason we conduct most of the testing with the back wheel is that the back wheel is the easiest wheel to line up with Trolley Stopper and the easiest for the customer to use. However, as the image below suggests, the front wheel works as well as the back wheel:
5.7 degree with 100kg with the front wheel of the shopping trolley:
As you can see, Trolley Stopper has performed up to, and above expectations during this gradient and weight testing. During our testing, we have been quite thorough to make sure that Trolley Stopper can restrain trolley / carts with standard shopping and grocery weights in them. We have confidence that our product does what it says it does, and will help your customers complete their shopping experience on a positive note, while assisting to upgrade safety and security in your shopping centres.