Adjustable Caster Assembly with Telescoping Foot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caster wheel assemblies lack effective locking mechanisms that prevent movement and vibration, and they do not provide leveling capabilities when positioned on a supporting surface, which is essential for equipment stability and mobility.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable caster assembly with a telescoping foot and actuation mechanism that allows the wheel to engage or disengage with the supporting surface, enabling both mobility and stability by adjusting between expanded and contracted positions, utilizing a gear-driven actuation system and biased actuation shaft for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking wheel mechanism is used to prevent rotation, then the wheel is locked from rotating, but the wheel may still pivot or swivel about a vertical axis causing movement and vibration of the supported load
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two independent functions: a locking wheel mechanism that prevents rotation, and a separate telescoping foot that prevents pivoting and provides stability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between wheel locking and load stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping foot acts as an intermediary element between the caster body and the supporting surface. When extended, it provides additional contact with the surface, preventing pivoting and enhancing stability beyond what the locking wheel alone can achieve.
2Ease of operation
If traditional caster wheel locks are used, then they are easy to disengage, but they lack the strength to prevent wheel rotation when large force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The caster system transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic system where the telescoping foot can be extended or retracted as needed. This allows the system to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational requirements, providing strong locking when needed while maintaining ease of mobility when the foot is retracted.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the foot is positioned in the expanded position, then the wheel is lifted off the supporting surface providing stability, but the caster loses mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping foot provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the caster to transition between mobile and stable states. When mobility is needed, the foot is retracted and the wheel contacts the surface. When stability is needed, the foot is extended to lift the wheel. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between stability and mobility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vertically adjustable feet are used for leveling, then leveling capability is achieved, but such feet are not attachable to casters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leveling foot mechanism with the caster assembly into an integrated unit. The telescoping foot is directly attached to the caster body and works in conjunction with the wheel, combining mobility and leveling functions into a single device rather than requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping foot serves multiple functions: it provides leveling capability, enhances stability by preventing pivoting, and can be extended to lift the wheel for stationary positioning. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The adjustable caster assembly effectively prevents movement and vibration while providing leveling capabilities, enhancing the stability and mobility of supported loads by allowing the wheel to be lifted off the surface in the extended position and maintaining contact in the contracted position, thus addressing the limitations of traditional caster wheel locks.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation shaft may be biased towards the disengaged position. The biasing force may be provided by a spring positioned in a housing and connected to the actuation shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable caster assembly includes a body having a top surface and a base, and an opening within the base. A wheel is connected to the body, where the wheel is configured to extend beyond the base of the body to engage a supporting surface. A foot is positioned within the opening in the base and configured to move between an expanded position and a contracted position. The foot may be actuated by an actuation shaft that engages a gear. The actuation shaft may be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.