Castor Mounting Plate Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing castor designs lack an efficient and space-effective mechanism for locking and directional control of rollers, often relying on springs that complicate assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate design featuring a dome-shaped mounting part that guides a sliding part between the plate and transmission part, allowing for a spring-free assembly and enhanced space utilization with overlapping spring parts for stabilization and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to prestress the transmission part into the locking position, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly and maintenance become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring from the system entirely, replacing the spring-based prestressing mechanism with a direct mechanical guidance system. The mounting part guides the sliding part to provide the necessary mechanical advantage without requiring elastic elements, thereby simplifying assembly and maintenance while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam profile on the sliding part interacts with the transmission part to provide the necessary forcing action for locking, eliminating the need for springs and their associated complexity.
2Reliability
If a traditional roller design is used, then the basic locking function is provided, but the space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the sliding part is positioned between the mounting plate and the transmission part. The cam mechanism is integrated within the sliding part itself, and the entire assembly fits within the existing roller structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the sliding part between the mounting plate and transmission part, rather than arranging components only in the horizontal plane. This vertical arrangement optimizes space utilization within the roller's height constraint.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission part is actuated by a sliding part arranged outside the roller substructure, then the actuation is simplified, but the transmission part cannot remain fixed during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the roller assembly into distinct components: the mounting plate, the sliding part, the transmission part, and the fork. The sliding part is arranged between the mounting plate and transmission part, allowing it to be actuated independently while the transmission part remains securely positioned within the roller substructure during disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding part acts as an intermediary between the actuating force and the transmission part. It is arranged between the mounting plate and transmission part, providing a stable interface that allows actuation while maintaining the transmission part's fixed position within the roller substructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting plate (4) which can be mounted on a fork (3) or on a rotary bearing of a castor (1) and which can be connected to the fork (3) or to a part of the rotary bearing (43); the invention also relates to a castor (1) having a fork (3) and/or a rotary bearing (43) and also having a wheel (2) and having a mounting plate (4) arranged on the top side of the fork (4) or of the rotary bearing (43), and also to a castor (1) having a wheel (2) and having a fork (3), wherein the fork (3) is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (A) relative to a locking part (33), and a first spring part (21) which is fixed with respect to the fork is provided for interacting with the locking part (33) so as to provide rotational locking. To specify a configuration of a mounting plate which is advantageous with regard to a lockable castor and/or to specify an advantageous castor having a locking device and mounting plate and/or to specify an advantageous embodiment of a castor having a locking device, there is proposed a transmission part (7), which is formed on the underside of and connected to the mounting plate (4), for locking of the castor (1), wherein the transmission part (7) is provided such that load can be exerted on it by a sliding part (8) which is likewise connected to the mounting plate (4).