Wheeled Carriage Brake Lock System with Simultaneous Swivel and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled carriages, such as medical beds and stretchers, often have brake and lock systems that either apply too much or too little force to the wheels, leading to damage or incomplete locking, and lack precise control over wheel rotation and swiveling.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled carriage with a brake lock system that includes a base, support deck, and a plurality of brakes with biasing mechanisms, allowing for precise control over wheel locking by using a brake pedal to switch between neutral and locked positions, with each brake having a frictional component to prevent rotation and a toothed structure to prevent swiveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake system applies greater force to lock the wheel, then the locking reliability improves, but the risk of damage to the wheel or brake structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two independent biasing mechanisms (springs) that can be adjusted to control the braking force parameters. The first biasing mechanism controls the brake shoe pressure against the wheel, while the second controls the pedal position. By adjusting these spring forces, the system achieves reliable locking without excessive force that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system uses a dynamic pedal mechanism that can be positioned in intermediate states between fully released and fully applied. The two biasing mechanisms work together to provide controlled, progressive braking force rather than abrupt full engagement, reducing shock loads on the wheel and brake components while maintaining locking reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a brake system applies less force to avoid damage, then the safety of wheel and structure improves, but the locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent braking actions: one for preventing wheel rotation (brake shoe against wheel) and one for preventing swiveling (toothed structure engagement). Each can be optimized independently, allowing sufficient force for reliable locking in each function without excessive force that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable spring mechanisms allow optimization of braking force parameters. The first spring can be tuned to provide just enough friction for reliable rotation prevention, while the second spring provides controlled force for swivel prevention through tooth engagement, avoiding excessive forces that would cause damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a centralized link system connects all wheel locking structures, then the coordination between wheels improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake shoe actuation and the swivel lock actuation into a single integrated brake assembly that moves with the pedal. Both the friction brake and the toothed swivel lock are activated simultaneously by the same pedal mechanism, providing coordinated wheel locking without complex separate linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates the brake shoe for rotation prevention, actuates the toothed structure for swivel prevention, and provides mechanical advantage through lever action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each wheel.
4Device complexity
If separate systems are used within each wheel for preventing swiveling and rotating, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coordination and simultaneous locking of all wheels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation brake and swivel lock functions into a single integrated assembly at each wheel that operates simultaneously. The brake shoe and toothed structure are connected through the common pedal mechanism, ensuring both functions activate together for complete wheel locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is pre-configured with both the friction brake components and the toothed swivel lock components in fixed spatial relationships. When the pedal is actuated, both locking mechanisms are simultaneously engaged in a predetermined sequence, ensuring coordinated operation without complex control systems.
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 system allows for precise and simultaneous locking of caster wheels against rotation and swiveling, preventing damage and ensuring complete locking or unlocking of the wheels, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the plurality of brakes also include a first biasing mechanism that urges a respective brake toward the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The second biasing mechanism urges the brake pedal either toward the brake position or the neutral position such that the brake pedal is biased against remaining in any intermediate position
Implementation Method 3
The brakes may prevent rotation of the wheels by frictionally engaging a surface on the wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient has a wheeled base having frame members supporting a plurality of caster wheel assemblies and a braking system. A moveable brake lock assembly, a brake lock actuator, and a swivel lock receiver are operatively connected to one of the caster wheel assemblies to define a locking caster wheel assembly. The brake lock assembly comprises an actuating member, a swivel lock member, and a brake member that are interconnected as a unit for simultaneous movement. The brake lock actuator is operable to selectively move the brake lock assembly into an engaged position via engagement with the actuating member such that the swivel lock member engages the swivel lock receiver and the brake member contacts a wheel of the locking caster wheel assembly thereby preventing rotation and swiveling of the wheel.