Caster Wheel Gap Control via Ball Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casters face difficulties in controlling the gap between wheels, resulting in high resistance and noise due to wheel interaction, especially when moving in different directions.
Innovation Solution
A caster design featuring a bracket, a first transmission device with an annular retaining portion and equiangularly arranged first balls, and a second transmission device with scrollable second balls, which connects and spaces the wheels to reduce friction and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two wheels are mounted close together to reduce caster size, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the wheels rub against each other causing large resistance and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an annular retaining portion with first balls as an intermediary mechanism between the two wheels. This mediator maintains a specific gap between the wheels, preventing direct contact and friction while allowing controlled relative movement. The first balls roll within the annular retaining portion, converting harmful sliding friction into beneficial rolling friction, thus reducing resistance and noise generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a gap is maintained between two wheels to reduce friction, then resistance and noise are reduced, but the gap control is difficult in actual production
Solution Approach 1:
The annular retaining portion is pre-designed with a specific structural configuration and dimensions that define the gap between wheels. During assembly, the first balls are placed into the annular retaining portion, which automatically establishes the correct gap distance through the predetermined geometry of the retaining portion. This preliminary design approach eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and ensures consistent gap control in mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and arrangement of the first balls within the annular retaining portion to achieve optimal gap control. By controlling the number, size, and distribution of the first balls, the system dynamically adjusts and maintains the appropriate gap between wheels during operation, transforming a manufacturing precision problem into a controllable physical parameter problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wheels are allowed to move freely in different directions, then the caster is more flexible, but the wheels rub against each other generating noise and resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the first balls can roll freely within the annular retaining portion, adapting to the relative movement between wheels in different directions. This dynamic arrangement allows the caster to maintain flexibility and adaptability while the first balls continuously adjust their positions to prevent wheel contact, converting static friction constraints into dynamic rolling motion that reduces noise and resistance.
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 effectively controls the gap between wheels, reduces rolling resistance, and minimizes frictional noise, enhancing the usability and production efficiency of the caster.
Implementation Method 1
the rolling of the plurality of first balls changes the friction between the two wheels to be rolling friction, so that the rolling between the two wheels is smoother
Implementation Method 2
The first ball track and the second ball track are oppositely disposed; the plurality of the second balls are scrollably connected between the first ball track and the second ball track. Optionally, the first balls and the second balls are POM balls.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention provides a caster comprising a bracket (1), a first transmission device (3) and two wheels (4). The two wheels are connected by a transmission screw (5) and are fixed to the bracket. The first transmission device comprises an annular retaining portion and a plurality of first balls (32), the plurality of first balls are equiangularly arranged in a circumferential direction of the annular retaining portion, and opposite sides of the annular retaining portion are respectively embedded in the respective wheels. The caster of the invention can solve the problems in the prior art that it is difficult to control the gap between the two wheels, the resistance generated between the two wheels is large and noise is easily generated.