Integrated Fastener for Dolly Castor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dolly systems are labor intensive and expensive due to the need for multiple fasteners and welding to secure and position castor wheels, especially when stacking dollies.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a body penetrating the dolly chassis and a rotationally symmetric head that serves both as a means to attach and position castor wheels using a single fastener, eliminating the need for welding and reducing the number of parts required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiple fasteners and welding are used to secure castor wheels, then the attachment is reliable, but the assembly time increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastener that simultaneously secures the castor wheel to the dolly chassis and positions it correctly. This single fastener replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fasteners and welding operations, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener serves multiple functions: it acts as both a securing mechanism and a positioning element for the castor wheel. The fastener's design incorporates features that both attach the wheel firmly to the chassis and ensure correct positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning components or welding steps.
2Reliability
If traditional multiple fasteners and welding are used to secure castor wheels, then the attachment is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple attachment components into a single integrated fastener design. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the combined functionality of the single fastener.
3Reliability
If welded nodules are used for locking castor wheels, then the positioning is secure, but the appearance deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the welded nodule approach and integrates it directly into the fastener design itself. The fastener includes built-in positioning features that lock the castor wheel in place without requiring external welded nodules, thereby maintaining secure positioning while eliminating the aesthetic drawbacks of visible welds and reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to assemble castor wheels, then the attachment is secure, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening components into a single integrated fastener assembly. This single fastener performs the work of multiple separate fasteners, thereby reducing the total number of parts needed while maintaining secure attachment through its integrated design that incorporates both securing and positioning functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly comprising a chassis, a castor having a fork and a wheel rotatably mounted to the fork, and a fastener for fixing the fork of the castor to the chassis of the dolly. The fastener comprises a head which is shaped to the peripheral shape of the wheel of the castor.