Hubless Caster Bearing Structure for Wear-Resistant Load Distribution
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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 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 to prevent premature wear and improve load handling.
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 more aesthetically pleasing, but the mount portion wears prematurely due to direct contact with rollers
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 rollers, thereby preventing premature wear while maintaining the hubless aesthetic design.
2Volume of moving object
If a row of small ball bearings is used in the rolling element, then the device is more compact, but the load is concentrated on a small width of the mount portion, accelerating wear
Solution Approach 1:
The annular backbone member is designed with a width that distributes the load across a broader area of the mount portion. This local quality enhancement ensures that the load is spread evenly rather than concentrated, preventing accelerated wear while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Length of stationary object
If the radial thickness of the hubless roller assembly is reduced to achieve a low profile, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the dynamic load rating may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hubless roller assembly utilizes a composite structure combining the annular backbone member, rolling element, and wheel in sequence. This composite design allows the components to work together to maintain structural integrity and dynamic load rating while achieving a reduced profile thickness for aesthetic purposes.
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 that is aesthetically pleasing, with a low profile ratio and a dynamic load rating of at least 150 pounds, offering improved durability and performance compared to conventional hubless casters.
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.