Castor Backstop Wheel Bidirectional Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-return rollers either fail to prevent movement in one direction or have complex designs that are difficult to assemble and costly, while also being challenging to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simple non-return wheel design featuring a hollow cylinder sector housing with angled end walls and a protrusion that allows the wheel to pivot between two positions, enabling easy blocking in either direction of rotation, facilitated by a spring mechanism to maintain the desired position and gentle friction for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex roulette wheel structure is used to lock the wheel in both directions, then the wheel can be locked in either direction of rotation, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The roulette wheel is divided into two independent anti-return elements, each capable of preventing rotation in one direction. This segmentation allows the wheel to achieve bidirectional locking functionality through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each anti-return element serves multiple functions: it prevents rotation in one direction, allows rotation in the other direction, and can be positioned at different angular orientations to provide locking capability in either rotational direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each locking direction.
2Reliability
If a complex roulette wheel structure is used to lock the wheel in both directions, then the wheel can be locked in either direction of rotation, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking function into two independent anti-return elements, each element can be manufactured as a simpler, more standardized component. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single complex bidirectional locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-return elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Their simple geometry and function allow for cost-effective production through standard manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a complex roulette wheel structure is used to lock the wheel in both directions, then the wheel can be locked in either direction of rotation, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-return elements automatically engage and disengage based on the wheel's rotation direction without requiring user intervention. The spring mechanism provides automatic resetting, allowing the wheel to be locked in either direction simply by rotating it, without needing to manipulate locks or switches.
4Device complexity
If a single anti-return element is used, then the structure remains simple, but the wheel can only be prevented from rotating in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
Two anti-return elements are positioned at asymmetric angular orientations relative to each other. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that one element prevents rotation in one direction while the other element prevents rotation in the opposite direction, achieving bidirectional locking through simple geometric positioning rather than complex mechanics.
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 wheel effectively prevents movement in one direction while allowing movement in the other, with a straightforward assembly and reduced cost, enhancing usability and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (70) acting on the shaft (22) and tending to bring the shaft to this initial position
Implementation Method 2
gentle friction for operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an anti-return wheel comprising a housing (10) for fixing along an axis (11), a wheel (20) of radius Rr mounted on a shaft (22) of axis (23) and having a point of contact (24) with the ground, a housing (30) in the form of a cylindrical sector of axis (31), bordered by two walls (32, 33) and having an opening (34) defined on an angle Oac, a part (40) in the form of a cylindrical sector of radius Rp defined on an angle Pac and of an axial section complementary to that of the housing (30), an extension (50) made on the edge (41) of the part (40), the part (40) being mounted on the housing (10) to move in the housing (30) between two positions P1, P2.