Magnetic Self-Aligning Swivel Caster for Container Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel casters for containers require manual pivoting, making stacking time-consuming and risky, with limited space for rotation mechanisms and difficult connection of components.
Innovation Solution
The swivel caster design features a cover plate with legs extending along the horizontal rotation axis, connected to the caster mount via a connector, allowing for easier assembly and providing more space for the rotation mechanism, while magnets ensure automatic alignment, reducing manual effort and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover plate is connected to the support plate within the caster mount adjacent to the rotation mechanism, then the cover plate is fixed, but the space for the rotation mechanism is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is divided into a cover plate body and two separate legs, which are connected to the caster mount independently. This segmentation allows the connection points to be positioned optimally, providing both secure fixation and adequate space for the rotation mechanism within the caster mount.
2Reliability
If the cover plate is connected via multiple connection points, then the connection is stable, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The two legs of the cover plate are each connected to the caster mount using the same type of connector. This merging of connection methods simplifies the assembly process by using standardized components and procedures, while still providing stable fixation through multiple connection points.
3Measurement precision
If manual pivoting is required for alignment, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the stacking process becomes time-consuming and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel caster is equipped with magnets that automatically generate alignment torque when the caster mount is rotated away from the basic alignment. The magnets interact to swing the caster mount back into basic alignment without manual intervention, enabling automatic self-alignment during the stacking process.
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 simplifies the connection of components, increases space for rotation mechanisms, and enables the swivel caster to automatically align, significantly reducing the time and risk associated with stacking containers.
Implementation Method 1
the magnets are magnetized and disposed so as to be mutually parallel including a gap in such a manner that in an alignment of the caster mount outside a defined basic alignment of the caster mount the magnets interact in such a manner that the caster mount swings into basic alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel caster (1) including a support plate (2) for connection to a container, and including a caster mount (3) having a caster (6) rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis (H). The caster mount (3) is connected to the support plate (2) rotatable about a vertical rotation axis (V). At least one first magnet (15a) is connected to the caster mount (3) and at least one second magnet (15b) is connected to the support plate (2). The magnets (15a, 15b) are magnetized and disposed so as to be mutually parallel including a gap in such in an alignment of the caster mount outside a defined basic alignment (G) of the caster mount (3) the magnets (15a, 15b) interact such that the caster mount (3) swings into basic alignment (G). The caster mount (3) has a cover plate (11) which collectively with the saucer (9) of the support plate (2) and with the mounting plate (7) encloses an intermediate space for the magnets (15a, 15b). The cover plate (11) has two legs (17a, 17b) which extend in the direction of the horizontal rotation axis (H) of the caster (6). Each leg (17a, 17b) has a free end (18a, 18b) remote from the cover plate (11) is connected to the caster mount (3) via a connector.