Rail-Guided Carrier Wheel Assembly With Tool-Free Axle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated goods carriers with rail extensions face high assembly costs due to complex tool-based fastening systems for wheels, which complicates the mounting and securing of rollers, particularly in deeper or pointed-shaped containers.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out refrigerated goods carrier with an impeller comprising an axle element and a roller, featuring locking elements that allow tool-free mounting and attachment, using projections and recesses for secure locking without additional fastening mechanisms, enabling easy assembly and anti-twist protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tool-based fastening systems are used for wheels, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separate components: a wheel element and an axle element with integrated locking elements. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be built into the axle element itself, eliminating the need for separate fastening tools while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated locking lugs and recesses
Solution Approach 2:
The axle element incorporates locking elements (locking lugs and locking beads) that automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the refrigerated goods carrier during assembly. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for external fastening tools, allowing the assembly to secure itself through the inherent design of the locking elements
2Duration of action of stationary object
If complex fastening mechanisms are used, then durability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements (locking lugs and locking beads) are integrated directly into the axle element as a single molded component rather than separate parts. This merging of functions into one element simplifies manufacturing by eliminating additional fastening components and reduces assembly costs by removing the need for separate fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed with specific geometric parameters (protruding locking lugs and corresponding recesses) that enable reliable engagement through shape complementarity rather than through complex mechanical fastening. This parameter-based design maintains durability while simplifying the manufacturing process
3Ease of operation
If locking elements are integrated into the axle element, then assembly simplicity is improved, but structural complexity of the axle element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle element is designed with distinct functional zones: a bearing area for the roller, a fastening area with locking lugs for attachment to the carrier, and a conical locking area for securing the roller. This segmentation of the axle element into functional zones simplifies the assembly process while organizing the structural complexity into manageable, purpose-driven sections
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures secure, durable attachment of the impeller to the refrigerated goods carrier without the need for tools, enhancing ease of movement and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a roller (28) running on the axle element (21) and engaging in the rails (14, 15)
Implementation Method 2
a roller (28) running on the axle element (21) and engaging in the rails (14, 15)
Implementation Method 3
the axle element (21) having locking elements which fix the axle element (21) to the refrigerated goods carrier (3)
Implementation Method 4
using projections and recesses for secure locking without additional fastening mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a running wheel (17) for a refrigerated product carrier (2) that can be pulled out under the guidance of rails. The running wheel (17) has a roller (28) that is rotatably mounted on a single-wheel axle element (21), which can be mounted in a cavity (26) of a refrigerated product carrier (2), said roller being designed to engage in a running channel (30) formed by rails (15, 16). According to the invention, the axle element (21) has detent elements (23, 24, 25), by means of which it can be fixed to the refrigerated product carrier (2) and/or the roller (28) in an axial direction.