Magnetic Locking Caster Wheel with Rotating Magnet Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing castors with controllable locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, limiting their widespread adoption for applications like furniture stabilization and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A simplified castor design featuring radial notches on the wheel's inner face, a magnet-finger assembly for locking, and a support system with two magnets that can be rotated to control locking, allowing for easy assembly and automated production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in casters, then reliable locking function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking components (screws, springs, cam mechanisms) with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets embedded in the caster housing interact with ferromagnetic materials in the wheel to provide locking force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assemblies while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of locking mechanism from mechanical contact forces to magnetic field forces. By adjusting magnetic field strength, magnet placement, and ferromagnetic material properties, the locking characteristics can be controlled without mechanical adjustments, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in casters, then locking control is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system replaces expensive mechanical components with magnets and ferromagnetic materials, which are simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The magnets can be embedded directly into the housing during molding, and the ferromagnetic elements are integrated into the wheel structure, reducing assembly steps and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides locking force, enables controlled movement when needed, and can be integrated into the basic structure of the caster without requiring separate dedicated locking components. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts and lowers production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If simplified locking structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field provides consistent and reliable locking force without the wear and tear associated with mechanical components. Magnets maintain constant holding force and can be precisely positioned to ensure reliable engagement with ferromagnetic materials, achieving dependable locking with simpler structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines magnetic materials with ferromagnetic materials to create an effective locking system. This composite approach leverages the strengths of both material types - the magnetic field generation and the ferromagnetic response - to achieve reliable locking with a simple 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
The solution reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while enabling easy assembly and automated production, offering a compact, reliable, and cost-effective controllable locking mechanism for castors.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet (21) ... at least one second magnet (22) and at least one third magnet (23) ... bringing one or the other of the second and third magnets (22, 23) opposite this first magnet (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to controllable locking casters intended for use with furniture or the like. The caster comprises a wheel 10, 11, a wheel housing 13, means for mounting the wheel to rotate about an axis 16, and controllable locking means for the wheel 10, 11 relative to the wheel housing 13, consisting of: notches 20 formed in the wheel; a finger 25 adapted to engage in a notch 20; a first magnet 21; means for securing the finger to the magnet 21 to form an assembly En which is mounted in translation on the wheel housing such that, in a position Pa1, the finger is outside the notches 20 and, in a position Pa2, the finger 25 is inserted into a notch 20; two magnets 22, 23; a support 30 in which the two magnets are mounted head-to-tail;means for moving the support 30 so that it is able to take two positions Ps22, Ps23, the position Ps22 being that in which the pole of the magnet 22 which is opposite a pole of the magnet 21 has the opposite sign to that pole of the magnet 21 and the position Ps23 being that in which the two opposite poles have the same sign.;