Tool-Free Axle Adapter for Conduit Inspection Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection and cleaning vehicles for conduits require time-consuming and tool-dependent wheel changes, leading to downtime and potential loss of screws during the process.
Innovation Solution
A quick change system for carriage wheels featuring an axle adapter with a locking mechanism that allows tool-free attachment and detachment of wheels, using movable locking members and a releasing mechanism that axially locks and releases the wheels without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix wheels to the carriage axle, then the wheels can be securely attached, but the wheel changing process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel fixing system is segmented into a wheel hub with internal threading and a separate axle with external threading. This allows the wheel to be quickly screwed onto the axle by hand without requiring additional tools, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick changing
Solution Approach 2:
The axle is pre-equipped with threading and the wheel hub has corresponding internal threading prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site tool usage during wheel changes, reducing time loss while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix wheels, then secure attachment is achieved, but the screws may be lost during detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is merged into an integrated threaded connection system where the axle and wheel hub form a unified fastening structure. This eliminates separate screws that could be lost, while maintaining secure attachment through the threaded engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection system is designed to be self-contained, with the fixing mechanism inherent in the wheel-axle assembly itself. No external screws or separate fastening components are needed, preventing loss while ensuring reliable attachment
3Reliability
If tools are required for wheel changes, then secure fixing is ensured, but the changing process cannot be performed without available tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into hand-operable threaded components that can be assembled and disassembled without tools. The wheel hub and axle threading are designed to engage and disengage by hand, providing both security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The threading is pre-configured on the axle and wheel hub to enable tool-free operation. This preliminary design ensures that the wheel can be securely fixed and quickly changed without requiring any external tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
4Reliability
If traditional screw fixation is used, then wheels can be attached, but the process requires multiple steps of detaching and re-screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel-axle system is segmented into quickly interchangeable threaded components. The wheel hub and axle threading are designed for rapid engagement and disengagement, reducing the number of steps required for wheel changes while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The threading is pre-prepared on both the axle and wheel hub, allowing for immediate engagement without requiring multiple steps of alignment or preparation. This increases productivity by enabling quick wheel changes while ensuring reliable attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A quick change system for carriage wheels comprising an axle adapter and a lock for axial locking of a wheel on the axle adapter, wherein the lock has at least one locking member and a release cooperating with the locking member, wherein the locking member axially locks the wheel on the axle adapter in a locking position, and the release and the locking member cooperate such that during moving of the release, the locking member can be brought from the locking position into a releasing position, in which the wheel is released axially.