Adjustable Caster Wheel Assembly With Compact Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty caster wheels lack a simple and efficient method for vertical adjustment and often rely on expensive or unreliable elastomeric means to absorb high loads, requiring frequent replacement and inefficient disassembly for height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable caster wheel apparatus with a yolk frame, pivot pin, and elastic member using polyurethane cylinders for load absorption, featuring a swivel plate and threaded fasteners for easy height adjustment without full disassembly, allowing the wheel frame to pivot relative to the yolk frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel compression or torsional coil springs are used to bias resiliently supported casters, then load bearing capability is improved, but the vertical profile becomes too large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel springs to polyurethane elastomeric material, which has different mechanical properties (higher density but better compressibility). This allows achieving the same load bearing capability with a more compact vertical profile, as the polyurethane can be compressed to a smaller height while maintaining the required force absorption characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts polyurethane blocks that are less expensive than steel springs and can be easily replaced when worn. While individual polyurethane blocks may have shorter service life under extreme conditions, their low cost and ease of replacement make them economically advantageous, and they provide sufficient durability for most caster applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If polyurethane blocks are used to absorb compressive loads, then cost is reduced, but reliability decreases requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the polyurethane blocks with inherent cushioning properties and proper dimensional specifications to absorb compressive loads before they can cause damage to the caster mechanism. The blocks are pre-configured with appropriate hardness and density to distribute stresses evenly, preventing premature failure and extending service life while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Strength
If traditional caster wheel assembly methods are used for vertical adjustment, then structural integrity is maintained, but adjustment complexity increases requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the caster assembly into modular components: a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a movable portion containing the wheel and height adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be independently adjusted vertically through a simple mechanism (such as a threaded rod or telescopic column) without requiring disassembly of the entire caster, thereby maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy height adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient vertical adjustment of the caster wheel without disassembly and provides a cost-effective, high-quality elastomeric means for load absorption, reducing maintenance and operational inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member having a first retainer and a second retainer, the first retainer connected to one end of the elastic member and the second retainer connected to an opposite end of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically-adjustable caster wheel apparatus for use on a forklift truck, material handling cart, and the like. The caster wheel apparatus of the present invention provides a yolk frame having a pivot pin connected to and extending through the yolk frame. A wheel frame has one end pivotally connected to the yolk frame and a second end rotatably connected to a wheel. An elastic member has a first retainer connected to one end of the elastic member and a second retainer connected to an opposite end of the elastic member, wherein the first retainer is connected to the pivot pin in the yolk frame to allow the elastic member to pivot with respect to the yolk frame. Means for adjusting the vertical height of the wheel is provided by adjusting the angle of the wheel frame relative to the yolk frame.