Hubless Caster Annular Backbone for Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art hubless casters lack durability due to premature wear of the mount portion and uneven load distribution, leading to reduced longevity and performance.
Innovation Solution
A hubless caster design featuring a durable separate sleeve or annular backbone member that defines an inner bearing race, combined with a rolling element and an outer wheel, providing enhanced durability and well-distributed force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rolling element is mounted directly on the mount portion of the frame member, then the structure is simpler and fewer components are needed, but the mount portion wears prematurely and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An annular backbone member is introduced as an intermediary component between the rolling element and the mount portion. This backbone member defines the inner bearing race and protects the mount portion from direct contact with the rolling element, thereby preventing premature wear while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If the load is concentrated on a narrow region of the mount portion, then the mounting structure is more compact, but wear accelerates and longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular backbone member distributes the load across its entire width rather than concentrating it on a narrow region of the mount portion. This creates a more uniform stress distribution pattern that prevents accelerated wear and extends the service life of the caster assembly.
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 design results in a caster with improved durability and load distribution, achieving a dynamic load rating of at least 150 pounds while maintaining a low profile ratio, thus enhancing overall performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.