Double-Lock Caster with Segmented Braking and Swivel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-lock caster designs face inefficiencies in braking when heavy loads are applied, and they often have complex structures that complicate separate regulation of swiveling and braking.
Innovation Solution
A double-lock caster design featuring a stem with a rotating cam, an operating shaft, a swivel-preventing plate, and a link cam that allows the brake shoe to abut the wheel tread and the brake plate to engage with the wheel's inner surface, enabling separate swiveling regulation and double braking with a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake shoe is pressed against a tread surface to stop wheel rotation, then braking function is achieved, but braking effectiveness is insufficient when heavy load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is segmented into two independent systems: a first brake shoe that presses against the tread surface, and a second brake plate with engagement parts that engage with internally toothed gear structures on the wheel. This segmentation allows each brake to handle different aspects of the braking load, improving overall braking effectiveness under heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different braking mechanisms (tread surface braking and gear engagement braking) into a single double-lock caster system. The first brake shoe and second brake plate work together to provide combined braking force, ensuring reliable stopping power even when heavy loads are applied to the caster.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lock member is pivoted to regulate swiveling and braking, then both functions are integrated, but separate regulation of swiveling and braking cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a lock member for swiveling regulation and a brake plate for braking control. This allows the swiveling lock and braking function to be regulated independently through separate operational inputs, providing both integration and separate control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support yoke serves multiple functions: it supports the wheel, provides the pivot for the lock member for swiveling control, and guides the brake plate for braking control. This multi-functionality allows separate regulation of swiveling and braking while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
3Reliability
If a brake plate with long hole and sliding mechanism is used, then braking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The complex sliding mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler pivoting link cam mechanism. The link cam, pivoted to the brake shoe, directly transfers motion to the brake plate without requiring long holes or complex guide structures, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliable braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The link cam serves as an intermediary mechanism between the brake shoe and brake plate. Instead of using complex direct coupling mechanisms, the link cam translates the brake shoe's motion into brake plate movement through its pivoting action, simplifying the structural design.
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
This design ensures effective double braking and swiveling regulation with a simplified structure, enhanced by a T-shaped rail for attachment and press-fitting for easy assembly, and cold-forged swivel-preventing plates with grooves for increased engagement force.
Implementation Method 1
a cam which is incorporated in an upper part of the stem and rotates by a rotary shaft; a plurality of braking and braking release cam surfaces formed at predetermined positions on an outer peripheral surface of the cam; an operating shaft which abuts against the cam surfaces and slides up and down
Implementation Method 2
a link cam which is coupled with the brake shoe part, and has one end side pivotally supported by a bearing part extending to an outer side of the wheel and the other end side being latched on a brake plate which slides up and down along an outer surface of the support yoke; pivotal movement of the link cam causing the brake plate to slide
Implementation Method 3
a brake shoe part which is fixed to a lower part of the swivel-preventing plate part, and abuts against a tread surface of the wheel by downward movement of the operating shaft to perform braking
Implementation Method 4
a braking protruding part which is provided on the brake plate and engageable with an annularly continuous engagement receiving part formed on an inner peripheral side surface of the wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a double-lock caster comprising: a simple structure which can regulate the swiveling of a wheel of the caster and is capable of double brake locking the wheel of the caster. [Solution] The present invention is characterized by comprising: an operating shaft which rises and falls by abutting against a cam surface of a cam that has been rotatably built into the upper part of a stem; a swivel-preventing plate part which has been fixed to the lower end of the operating shaft; an engagement member which is fixed to a support yoke and regulates the swiveling by engaging with the swivel-preventing plate part; a brake shoe part which is fixed to the lower part of the swivel-preventing plate part and brakes by abutting against a treat surface of a wheel when the operating shaft falls; a link cam which causes a link cam to pivot and causes a brake plate to rise and fall by being connected to the brake shoe part; and a protruding part for braking which, by the displacement of the brake plate, is capable of engaging with and disengaging from an annular engagement receiving part that has been formed in the inner periphery of the wheel.