Finisher Base Device with Segmented Casters for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Finishers sold directly to clients for setup and movement face stringent safety requirements, such as stability at 10 degrees and application of 20% of their mass on vertical surfaces, which previous models have difficulty meeting.

Innovation Solution

A base device with a base pan and casters of varying diameters, along with a tip foot mechanism, ensures stability at angles and under applied forces, and a sensor system to detect excess media and alert users to prevent tipping during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If finishers are designed for client setup and movement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability under inclination and applied force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient setup and movement capabilityVSAvoidstability at 10 degrees inclination and under 20% mass force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The caster system is segmented into two distinct types: first casters with larger diameters positioned at corners for primary support, and second casters with smaller diameters positioned along sides for secondary stabilization. This segmentation allows each caster type to serve specific stability functions during movement and inclination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a dimensional aspect to stability by positioning second casters along the sides of the base pan, creating a multi-level support structure. When the base pan is level, second casters remain elevated; when inclined, they engage to provide stabilization in the inclination dimension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base pan is designed with protruding sections for caster mounting, then adaptability of caster configuration is improved, but structural complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaster configuration flexibilityVSAvoidbase pan structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base pan incorporates universal mounting sections that can accommodate different caster configurations. The same protruding sections serve multiple purposes: structural reinforcement, caster mounting, and positioning reference, reducing the need for separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11752790B2Base device to prevent tip and tilt of finisher

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A base device to support a finisher includes a base pan, a first plurality of casters coupled to the base pan, a second plurality of casters coupled to the base pan, and a recess to receive a tip foot. The base pan includes a section which protrudes outward from a first side of the base pan. The first plurality of casters are coupled to the base pan to contact a surface when the base pan is level with respect to the surface, each of the first plurality of casters being beside a respective separate corner of the base pan and at least two of the first plurality of casters being beside the section. The second plurality of casters are to be positioned above the surface when the base pan is level with respect to the surface and to contact the surface when the base pan is inclined to a threshold.