Magnetic Wheel Support for Trolley Cases on Uneven Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transportable containers with wheels, such as trolley cases, face challenges with uneven terrain causing sudden stops and vibrations, requiring a device that absorbs impacts while maintaining lightness and mechanical strength to avoid user fatigue and potential breakages.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic suspension system using repulsive magnetic forces between two magnetic elements, optionally assisted by elastic elements or adjustable positioning, to create a cushioning effect for the wheels, preventing vibrations and weight-related issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional springs and shock absorbers are used for wheel suspension, then vibration absorption is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidsuspension structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical springs and shock absorbers with a magnetic field-based suspension system. Two magnetic elements generate repulsive forces to support the wheel assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical suspension components while maintaining vibration absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the suspension system. By using only two magnetic elements to provide both support and vibration absorption functions, the design removes complex mechanical linkages, pivots, and damping mechanisms found in traditional suspensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Weight of moving object

If magnetic elements are used for suspension, then device weight is reduced, but mechanical strength and wear resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension device weightVSAvoidmechanical strength and wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based support systems with a magnetic field-based system. The two magnetic elements generate repulsive forces that support the wheel assembly without physical contact, eliminating wear from friction while providing sufficient mechanical strength to handle travel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic suspension system effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations, maintaining a balance between weight and mechanical strength, ensuring smooth movement on uneven surfaces without increasing the weight or risk of breakage.

Implementation Method 1

the two magnetic elements are arranged with their magnetic poles so as to generate a force of repulsion between the two magnetic elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3962318B1Support device for wheels of transportable containers, such as trolley cases or the like.
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 SCHEDONI LUXURY GOODS SRL
  • EP3962318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3962318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3962318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Support device (2) for wheels (3) of transportable containers, such as trolley cases (1) or the like, comprising at least two parts (21, 22) fixed to each other, of which a first (21) and a second (22) part, so that said two parts (21, 22) have a relative movement therebetween, from a condition of maximum approach, to a condition of maximum distancing. Said first part (21) is integral with said container (1) and said second part (22) being formed by an arm adapted to support at least one wheel (3), rotatably fixed to said arm. Furthermore, said first (21) and said second (22) parts each have at least one magnetic element (211, 221), the at least two magnetic elements (211, 221) are arranged opposite so as to generate a magnetic force of repulsion between said two parts (21, 22), aimed at permanently maintaining said two parts (21, 22) in a condition of maximum distancing therebetween.