Castor Brake Mechanism for Swivel Wheel Locking in Any Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled transport devices with swivel wheels have inconvenient and inefficient braking mechanisms, particularly for foot-engaging brakes, which require manual operation and are not easily engaged in all orientations of the swivel wheels.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled transport device featuring a brake system with a contact member that can be manipulated between an applied state and a released state, allowing for automatic engagement of the brake when the handle is released, and enabling the operator to control the braking force through handles at both ends of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a foot-engaging brake is used for swivel wheels, then the brake can be applied to stop the wheeled transport device, but the method for engaging the brake is inconvenient and inefficient in terms of time
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages when the handle is released, eliminating the need for manual foot operation. The system serves itself by using the handle's position to automatically apply or release the brake, making the operator unnecessary for the braking action itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake is pre-configured to engage automatically when the handle is in the released position. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for reactive braking actions, as the brake is already prepared to engage immediately when the operator releases the handle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual foot brake is used, then the brake mechanism is simple, but it requires manual operation and is not easily engaged in all orientations of the swivel wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed to function universally across all swivel wheel orientations. The contact member and opening geometry are configured so that the brake engages regardless of which direction the swivel wheel is pointing, making the system adaptable to any orientation without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system transitions from a orientation-specific foot-operated mechanism to a dimensionally invariant system where the contact member's opening geometry ensures engagement from any angular position. This adds rotational dimensionality independence to the braking function.
3Productivity
If automatic brake engagement is implemented, then efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system merges the handle mechanism with the brake actuation system. The same handle that controls the transport device also directly controls the brake engagement, combining two functions into one integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate automatic sensing and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member acts as an intermediary between the handle and the wheel. It translates the handle's linear motion into rotational motion that applies the brake to the wheel, providing a simple mechanical mediation that achieves automatic engagement without complex control systems.
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 brake system ensures the wheeled transport device is stationary when not in use, applies brakes to swivel wheels in any orientation, and automatically engages the brake when the operator is not in control, improving efficiency and safety by preventing unintentional movement.
Implementation Method 1
The contact member is configured to be manipulated between an applied state, where the edge is in contact with the wheel, and a released state where the edge is not in contact with the wheel
Implementation Method 2
the brake system comprises a biasing mechanism connected to the contact member, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the contact member to the applied state
Implementation Method 3
the release mechanism is connected to the contact member via a motion converter such that the motion converter allows the contact member to be manipulated between the applied state and the released state; the motion converter is configured to rotate and cause the contact member to be manipulated between the applied state and the released state
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheeled transport device featuring at least one castor which has a wheel and a brake system which has a contact member with one opening which is defined by an edge. The contact member is configured to be manipulated between an applied state, where the edge is in contact with the wheel, and a released state where the edge is not in contact with the wheel.