Multi-Directional Ball Caster with Acute Inclination Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling devices are complex, costly, and inefficient in supporting objects with acute inclination angles, as they require multiple parts and are prone to failure and locking, with most designs limited to a maximum slope angle of 62°, which is inadequate for applications like luggage cases and suitcases.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional ball caster-type device with a compact, single-piece or modular housing that eliminates the need for flanges and screws, featuring a lower ring of secondary rolling balls surrounding the main ball near its center, allowing for a slope angle of less than 62°, preferably 50°, and incorporating a braking system for safety, enabling easier assembly and reduced part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional multi-part rolling devices with flanges and screws are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (housing, flanges, screws, bearing retention structures) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing itself forms recesses and grooves that directly retain bearing balls and support the rolling element, eliminating the need for separate flanges and fasteners. This reduces part count while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
2Reliability
If traditional rolling devices with bearing balls in flanges are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates all retention and support functions into its structure. Recesses formed directly in the housing retain bearing balls, and grooves provide pathways for the rolling element. This eliminates multiple assembly steps involving separate flanges and fasteners, making manufacturing simpler while maintaining reliable ball retention and device operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rolling devices are designed for maximum slope angle of 62°, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the housing, specifically the angle of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal. By optimizing this angle to be less than 62° (with specific embodiments showing angles around 30-45°), the device achieves both stability for its intended applications and adaptability to various mounting orientations and surface conditions.
4Reliability
If multiple bearing balls in sockets are used, then reliability is improved, but quantity of substance and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed with integrated recesses that directly retain bearing balls, eliminating the need for separate socket components. This reduces the total quantity of material required while maintaining reliable ball retention. The unified housing structure uses material more efficiently by combining multiple functions into a single component.
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 device provides a safer, cheaper, and more efficient rolling solution with improved angular flexibility, supporting loads up to 150 kg without failure, and allows for easier installation on inclined surfaces, enhancing the usability of rolling devices in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lower ring of rolling balls (1.2), and an upper ring of rolling balls (1.3), a main rolling ball (1.1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present utility model refers to a rolling device and, more particularly, an improved multi-directional ball caster-type device having an increased slope, which means a smaller angular slope level, or a more acute inclination angle between the central vertical axis of the device and the surface upon which it rolls. The slope, or inclination angle of the present improved device is from 62° to 50°, or less. As the inclinations angle can be more acute, the object supported on the rolling system, e.g. a luggage case, can be more sloped without having friction between the main ball involving structure and the ground.