Single Wheel Caster Locking Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single wheel casters face difficulties in assembly due to limited installation space between the wheel and support element, making it challenging and time-consuming to attach them to rolling frames or similar equipment, especially when delivered completely assembled.
Innovation Solution
A single wheel caster design featuring a locking device integrated within the support element without additional fasteners, which simplifies assembly by using a thread protector and a locking mechanism that contacts the wheel's contact surface for rotational fixation, allowing for easy assembly and distribution as a kit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete caster is delivered and mounted at a later point in time, then the caster can be fully assembled and tested before delivery, but the assembly process at the installation site becomes difficult and time-consuming due to limited installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The caster is divided into separate components (wheel assembly and support element) that can be assembled independently. The support element includes a support arm with a support coulisse that receives the wheel assembly, allowing modular assembly. This segmentation enables the caster to be delivered as a kit and assembled at the installation site without requiring complex fastening operations in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is integrated within the support element structure. The locking element and locking lever are interlocked at the support without additional fastener elements, with the locking device partially insertable into the interior of the support element through the support coulisse. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and reduces assembly complexity.
2Strength
If additional fastening elements are used to attach the locking device, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and locking lever are merged into a single interlocked assembly that attaches to the support element without additional fastener elements. The locking device is formed as an integrated unit where the locking element and locking lever are interlocked at the support, combining multiple functions into a single assembly operation that maintains connection strength while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to self-attach to the support element through its own structural features. The locking element and locking lever are interlocked at the support without additional fastener elements, allowing the locking device to secure itself to the support element through its inherent design rather than requiring external fastening components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking device is attached without additional fastener elements, then the assembly process is simplified, but the load-bearing capacity must be maintained through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The support element features a support coulisse with specific geometric characteristics designed to receive and secure the locking device. The support coulisse provides localized structural features that enable the locking device to be partially insertable into the interior of the support element and moveable into a defined end position by pivot movement, creating a secure attachment point without additional fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using fasteners to attach the locking device to the support element, the design inverts the approach by having the support element's support coulisse structurally receive and secure the locking device through its geometry. The locking device is moveable into a defined end position by pivot movement along the support coulisse, where the support structure itself provides the securing function rather than external fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a single wheel caster with a support element including a top element and a base element which includes at least one support arm, wherein the base element receives at least one hub for a wheel, wherein a thread protector is arranged on the hub, wherein a fixation device is arranged between the wheel and the support element. It is an object of the invention to provide a novel single wheel caster with substantially reduced assembly complexity. The object is achieved in that the locking device is arranged without additional fastening elements in an interior of the support element between at least one inner surface of the support element and at least on contact surface arranged rotationally fixated at the wheel, wherein the contact surface firmly contacts the locking device when the caster is assembled.