Magnetic Omni-Wheel Cable Pusher for Floor Lead Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile medical equipment with omni-directional wheels poses a risk of damaging cables and leads on the floor due to its movable nature, as the wheels can inadvertently run over them from various angles, causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A cable protection system featuring magnetically secured deflector legs attached to each wheel, which push nearby cables out of the way, preventing them from being caught under the wheels, and an optional lifting jack for manual movement during power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omni-directional wheels are used for multiple-axis movement, then mobility and versatility are improved, but the risk of damaging cables on the floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable pusher proactively pushes cables away from the wheel path before the wheel can run over them. The deflector legs are positioned to contact cables in advance, preventing them from migrating under the wheel and causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pusher acts as an intermediary element between the wheel and the cable. It intercepts the cable and pushes it away, preventing direct contact between the wheel and cable that would cause damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deflector legs are positioned close to the floor to push cables, then cable protection is improved, but the complexity of the wheel assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protection function is segmented from the wheel itself and implemented as a separate attachable cable pusher assembly. This modular approach allows the wheel to maintain its omni-directional movement capability while adding protection functionality through a distinct component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pusher is positioned locally at the critical interface between the wheel and floor cables. The deflector legs are strategically placed where cables are most likely to be encountered, providing targeted protection without modifying the entire wheel assembly.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment is used to secure the cable pusher to the wheel, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but the holding force may be insufficient under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment provides a dynamic balance between ease of installation and sufficient holding force. The magnetic force is strong enough to secure the cable pusher during normal operation but allows for easy removal when needed by simply pulling the assembly away from the wheel.
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
Effectively prevents cable damage by keeping cables clear of the wheels' path, allowing for safe and efficient movement of medical equipment while minimizing wear and noise, and enabling manual operation during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
The cable pusher assembly is configured to easily attach and detach from each wheel so that the cable pusher assembly can be quickly removed prior to traversing over a fixed or rigid obstacle... The internally constrained spinning magnet acts as a shaft that attracts to a ferrous target on the wheel's center hub
Data Source
AI summary
Cable protector devices, assemblies, and systems. The cable protection system may include a moveable system with wheels for moving the moveable system across a floor and a cable pusher attached to each of the wheels. Each cable pusher may include a frame with a pair of deflector legs configured to be positioned in front of and behind each wheel in close proximity to the floor. The cable pusher may be magnetically secured to the wheel, and the deflector legs may magnetically connect to the frame. As the wheels spin or rotate, the frame and deflector legs remain stationary, thereby pushing obstacles out of the way.