Caster Wheel Locking Pin Layout for Compact Dual-Axis Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional caster devices with locking mechanisms have complex configurations and limited space for arranging components, making it difficult to achieve a simplified locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A caster device with a bar-shaped pin and interlocked portion that can be displaced between locked and unlocked states, using a biasing member to reduce vibration and load on components, and incorporating a turning retainer to inhibit rotation, allowing for simultaneous locking or unlocking of the caster's rotation about its drive axis and turn axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member with traveling-inhibiting teeth and internal gear is used, then the caster can be locked, but the configuration becomes complicated and space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking member with protrusions, grooves on the caster body, and a biasing member. This segmentation simplifies each component's design while maintaining reliable locking through the interaction of these simplified elements, rather than using a complex integrated gear system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex gear mechanisms, retaining only the necessary elements (protrusions engaging with grooves) while removing unnecessary complexity. The biasing member is extracted as a separate element to provide continuous locking force without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking member and moving mechanism are provided in the vicinity of the caster, then locking function is achieved, but the configuration is complicated and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is positioned within the caster assembly structure, nesting the locking components within the existing spatial framework of the caster. The protrusions and grooves are integrated into the caster body and locking member respectively, allowing compact arrangement that utilizes available space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surfaces (protrusions and grooves) are localized to specific positions on the locking member and caster body, concentrating the locking function in small, precise areas rather than requiring extensive mechanical structures. This localizes the interaction to minimal space requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pin and interlocked portion are movable away from each other, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the caster body, providing continuous contact force that maintains engagement while allowing controlled movement. This intermediary mechanism reduces vibration transmission by absorbing shocks rather than directly transmitting them through rigid connections.
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 simplified configuration reduces the size and complexity of the locking mechanism, enhances the likelihood of pin engagement with grooves, and effectively inhibits rotation, while minimizing vibration and load on components, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the locking system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member urging the pin in a first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a caster device (10L, 10R) with at least one caster. The caster device includes grooves (33A), a bar-shaped pin (35, 35A; 35B; 35C; 35D), and an interlocked portion (50). The grooves are rotatable in association with rotation of the caster about a drive axis of the caster. The pin is displaceable between a first and a second position. The first position is where an end of the pin engages with any one of the grooves and thereby the caster is in a locked state. The second position is where the end of the pin is away from the grooves and thus the at least one caster is in an unlocked state. The interlocked portion is interlocked with the pin and displaceable in response to an external force so as to displace the pin between the first and second positions.