Nested Roller Assembly for Stable Lightweight Sliding Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware systems for sliding structures are cumbersome, bulky, and heavy, compromising their mobility and stability, and do not align with modern architectural trends towards sleek and efficient designs.
Innovation Solution
A roller assembly comprising a round outer ring, a round inner ring, and a frame that engages the inner ring's side surface, allowing the outer ring to rotate while maintaining stability, with optional bearings and secure mounting mechanisms for structures like door panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large brackets and associated hardware are used to secure the structure to the wheels and maintain the wheels on the track, then the structure is stable and securely mounted, but the hardware weight increases and the weight limit of the structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the inner ring is received within the outer ring, and the frame is integrated with both rings. The inner ring engages with the outer ring's axial opening, creating a compact nested assembly that reduces overall hardware volume and weight while maintaining structural stability through the nested engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple hardware components into a single integrated assembly. The frame structure combines the mounting bracket and wheel support functions, while the inner and outer rings are integrated as a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate large brackets and associated hardware, reducing total hardware weight while maintaining secure mounting and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bulky hardware designs are used to maintain stability, then the structure remains stable, but the hardware becomes cumbersome and does not align with modern architectural trends towards sleek, clean designs
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the inner ring within the outer ring creates a compact, space-efficient design that eliminates bulky protruding components. The frame integrates seamlessly with the nested rings, resulting in a sleek, clean-line appearance that aligns with modern architectural trends while maintaining hardware stability through the nested engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If heavy hardware is used to ensure durability and stability, then the structure is durable and stable, but the mobility of the structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated frame structure combines the mounting and wheel support functions into a single lightweight unit, eliminating the need for separate heavy brackets and hardware. The nested ring configuration provides durable, stable mounting while minimizing overall hardware weight, thereby maintaining structure mobility without compromising durability or stability.
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and stable hardware system that supports structures without compromising durability, enhancing mobility and aligning with clean-line design principles.
Implementation Method 1
The outer ring defines an axis of rotation for the outer ring and is operable to roll along the base surface
Implementation Method 2
The inner ring is operably received within and engages the outer ring so as to allow the outer ring to rotate about the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
The frame has an inner ring engaging portion that structurally engages at least a portion of the side surface of the inner ring such that the inner ring engaging portion and the side surface remain stationary with respect to each other when the outer ring rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware system for mounting a structure includes at least one roller assembly and a base surface. A roller assembly includes a substantially round outer ring, a substantially round inner ring, and a frame that structurally engages at least a portion of a side surface of the inner ring. The frame and the side surface of the inner ring remain stationary with respect to each other when the outer ring rotates about its axis of rotation. One or more roller assembl(ies) may be included within a hardware system for mounting a structure such as a door panel, a window panel, a window covering, a decoration or the like that is able to be rolled along a base surface by the roller assembly.