Offset Caster Design for Heavy Computing Device Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large computing devices, such as interactive televisions, face stability issues due to their weight and size, causing the center of gravity to shift towards the back of the support, which affects stability, especially when the devices exceed certain weight and size thresholds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an offset caster system that alters the center of gravity by incorporating an offset base connected to an axle and a wheel, providing a brake mechanism that can engage and disengage with a single actuator push, allowing for stable positioning regardless of wheel position, and includes a design that allows for easy access to the brake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a computing device support is used for large and heavy computing devices, then the device can be supported, but the center of gravity shifts towards the back causing stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by positioning the caster assembly offset from the rear edge of the support toward the center. This offset position creates a counterbalancing effect that compensates for the rearward shift of the center of gravity caused by heavy computing devices, thereby maintaining overall stability of the support system
2Ease of operation
If the caster is positioned at the rear edge of the support, then it provides support, but the brake mechanism becomes difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the accessibility issue by moving the brake mechanism from a lateral position (hard to reach from the side) to a longitudinal position along the rear edge of the support. This dimensional repositioning allows users to access the brake by reaching along the rear edge, which is more ergonomic and easier than lateral access, while maintaining the caster's optimal positioning for stability
Data Source
AI summary
An offset caster is described. The offset caster includes a wheel, an axle connected to the wheel, and an offset base connected to the axle. The offset base is offset by a distance. The offset base includes a connection to a computing device support. Computing device supports that include at least one offset caster are described. Systems for moving a computing device that include a computing device and a computing device support with at least one offset caster are described.