Multi-Pedal Caster Mechanism for Clear Steering and Brake Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pedal-controlled casters face issues with pedals being too close together, leading to easy mixed treading and difficulty in selecting and releasing specific functions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pedal-controlled caster design with a multifunctional pedal for selecting functions and reset pedals for releasing, featuring an orientation mechanism, braking mechanism, and reset mechanism, utilizing elastic members and pivot members to ensure clear function selection and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple pedals with different functions are arranged close together to save space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to mixed treading and difficulty in selecting specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system is segmented into three distinct pedals: a multifunctional pedal for selecting orientation or braking functions, and two separate reset pedals for releasing each function. This segmentation prevents mixed treading by providing dedicated control for each function while maintaining clear operational boundaries between different controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mechanical components including warping plates, elastic members, and pivot members that act as mediators between the pedals and the orientation/braking mechanisms. These intermediaries transmit and differentiate the operational intent clearly, ensuring that each pedal input produces the intended function without interference from other controls.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple pedals are arranged close together, then the area occupied is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to easy mixed treading
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into three spatially separated pedals with dedicated functions. The multifunctional pedal is positioned separately from the two reset pedals, creating clear operational zones that prevent accidental mixed treading while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having multiple specialized pedals crowded together, the design inverts the approach by using one multifunctional pedal combined with separate reset pedals. This inversion prioritizes reliability through functional separation while achieving space efficiency through the multifunctional design.
3Quantity of substance
If a multifunctional pedal is used for function selection, then the quantity of pedals is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to potential confusion in releasing specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system is segmented into one multifunctional pedal for activation and two separate reset pedals for deactivation. This segmentation resolves the confusion issue by providing dedicated release controls for each function, making it clear which pedal to press to release a specific function while maintaining a reduced overall pedal count.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pedal is designed as a universal multifunctional pedal that can activate both orientation and braking functions depending on the engagement state of the warping plates. This multi-functionality reduces the total pedal count while the separate reset pedals ensure clear function release by reversing the activation sequence.
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 allows for easy identification and use of different functions through the multifunctional pedal, with reset pedals ensuring a return to the original state, preventing mixed treading and enhancing operational clarity.
Implementation Method 1
three elastic members, wherein the first elastic member is coaxial with the first warping plate and the second warping plate... the second elastic member is coaxial with the two reset pedals... the third elastic member penetrates through the coaxial multifunctional pedal and auxiliary braking member
Implementation Method 2
the first warping plate, the second warping plate and the first elastic member are pivoted to the main body support by means of the first pivot member, the multifunctional pedal, the third elastic member penetrating through the multifunctional pedal and the auxiliary braking member are pivoted to the main body support by means of the third pivot member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are a multi-pedal-controlled caster and a method for using the caster, the multi-pedal-controlled caster including a main body support, a connecting rod, an orientation mechanism, a braking mechanism, a reset mechanism, a first inner tooth member, a second inner tooth member, a pair of wheel members and three elastic members, wherein the main body support is relatively rotatable and is combined with the connecting rod, and the first inner tooth member and the second inner tooth member are fixedly mounted on the connecting rod. A multifunctional pedal is treaded to push a first warping plate to make the first warping plate clamped into a first recess portion of the first inner tooth member, so that the caster can run in an orientated manner; and the multifunctional pedal is treaded again to push an auxiliary braking member, and then a second warping plate is pushed to make a second clamping portion of the second warping plate clamped into a second recess portion of the second inner tooth member and to make third clamping portions of the second warping plate clamped into limiting gears of the pair of wheel members, so that the caster can be orientated and braked. By means of the method in the present invention, the caster can implement functions including steering, orientation and braking.