Eccentric Wheel Axle Rolling Device for Retractable Wheel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling devices for moving furniture and other cumbersome objects lack a simple and reliable mechanism for easily switching between a retracted and extended position, and often have complex control systems and non-compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A rolling device with a bearing housing, axle support members, and a drive motor that allows the wheel element to be displaced between an extended and retracted position using locking means and a control unit for operation modes, enabling efficient movement and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical click system with spring is used to move the wheel between positions, then the device is simple and reliable, but the device cannot automatically move and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical click system with an electro-mechanical system that includes a motor, battery, and electronic control components. The motor drives the wheel through a gear mechanism, and a button press triggers automatic movement, combining electronic automation with mechanical execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an automatic actuator system that self-activates when the button is pressed, using internal motor and gear mechanisms to move the wheel without requiring manual manipulation of the wheel itself. The system serves itself by converting electrical energy to mechanical motion automatically.
2Extent of automation
If an automatic actuator system with wireless control is used, then the device can move automatically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless control functionality from the core mechanism, using a simple button interface that triggers pre-programmed automatic sequences. The complexity of wireless communication and control logic is separated from the mechanical actuation system, allowing the movement mechanism itself to remain relatively simple while gaining automated capability.
3Productivity
If the wheel element is always extended for movement, then movement efficiency is high, but the device cannot stand stably on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wheel positioning system where the wheel element can switch between extended and retracted positions based on operational needs. The motorized actuator allows the wheel to be extended during movement for efficiency and retracted during stationary periods for stability, creating a dynamically adaptable support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into movable wheel elements that can be independently positioned. The wheel element is divided into functional states (extended for rolling, retracted for stability), allowing the device to optimize its configuration based on whether it is in motion or stationary.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel element is always retracted for stability, then the device stands stable on the surface, but movement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic positioning control where the wheel element transitions from retracted (stable) to extended (mobile) state when movement is required. The motorized actuator responds to button input to extend the wheel, enabling on-demand movement capability while maintaining stable default positioning.
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 solution provides a compact, easily controllable, and reliable mechanism for switching between movement and retraction modes, ensuring stable operation and efficient surface movement with reduced complexity and increased user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a click system comprising a spring
Implementation Method 2
a ball-shaped or spherical wheel is arranged in the piston
Implementation Method 3
Rolling device with eccentric wheel axle
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
Rolling device comprising: a bearing housing (2) for accommodation of a wheel axle (8) carrying a wheel element (6), and a drive motor to rotate the wheel element relative to the wheel axle; axle support members (3, 10) accommodated in the bearing housing, the wheel axle extending between the axle support members, with the end portions of the wheel axle connected to the axle support members in an eccentric position; locking means that are operable between an unlocked position allowing the rotation of the axle support members relative to the bearing housing, and a locking position preventing said rotation, wherein in the unlocked position the motor conducts rotation for displacement of the wheel element by an eccentric movement between an extended position where at least a portion of the wheel element projects outside the bearing housing and a retracted position where the wheel element is located inside the bearing housing.