Furniture Castor Wheel Automatic Braking via Inclined Pin Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing castor wheel devices for furniture and heavy equipment require manual activation and deactivation of braking mechanisms, which is cumbersome and increases production costs due to complex structures and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A castor wheel device with a rotation pin inserted into non-circular holes with inclined axes, allowing automatic braking engagement under static conditions and disengagement with thrust action, enabling simple and cost-effective automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual braking means are provided in castor wheel devices, then braking functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for manual activation and deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The braking means automatically activate and deactivate based on the wheel's movement state. When the wheel is stationary, the braking element engages with the rotation pin to prevent movement. When the wheel begins to rotate, the centrifugal force automatically disengages the braking element, allowing movement without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system transitions from a static manual control mechanism to a dynamic automatic control mechanism. The braking element's position changes dynamically based on the wheel's rotation state, automatically engaging when stationary and disengaging when rotating, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If transmission means with wires are added to enable remote braking control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The complex transmission means (wires, linkages, remote control mechanisms) are completely removed from the system. Instead, the braking control function is extracted and embedded directly into the wheel structure itself, where the braking element is integrated with the rotation pin and wheel hub, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If braking means are positioned for effective braking, then braking functionality improves, but ease of operation worsens due to difficult accessibility for manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The braking means positioned at the optimal location for effective braking (near the rotation pin and wheel hub) automatically serves its function without requiring user access. The system self-activates based on the wheel's movement state, eliminating the need for users to reach difficult positions to operate the brakes.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple construction is used for castor wheel devices, then manufacturing cost decreases, but automation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic braking function is achieved through a simple self-service mechanism where the braking element naturally engages with the rotation pin when the wheel is stationary and automatically disengages when the wheel rotates. This eliminates complex automation systems while maintaining automatic operation through basic mechanical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple construction achieves automation through dynamic mechanical interaction. The braking element's position is dynamically determined by the wheel's rotation state, creating automatic braking engagement/disengagement without complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while enabling automated function.
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 device achieves automatic braking and disengagement based on the device's position, simplifying use and reducing production costs while maintaining effective braking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation pin of the wheel is inserted in a pair of holes obtained in the support structure of the wheel, said hole having a non-circular shape, foreseeing two edges that are substantially straight, which are joined together by two curved sections. The main axis of this hole is inclined by an angle other than 90° with respect to the rolling plane of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
Such wheels also have means that are suitable for braking the wheel through reciprocal friction between the means and the wheel itself
Data Source
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AI summary
The present finding concerns a wheel for furniture and the like, intended for supporting, alone or in connection with one or more similar wheels, the device to which it is connected, as well as guaranteeing the movement of such device, by rotation of the same wheel. In particular, it is foreseen that thanks to the configuration of the holes (11) obtained in the support structure (5) of the wheel in which the rotation pin (2) thereof is inserted there is, automatically, a braking action on the wheel when it is in the static condition; it is also foreseen for this braking action to stop automatically when a thrust action is exerted on the device to which the wheel is fixed and the aforementioned wheel is thus intended to rotate.