Phosphorescent Caster Rim for Dark Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions do not provide a caster system that is visible in dark environments and enables smooth movement of heavy furniture articles over uneven surfaces or obstacles without an external power source.
Innovation Solution
A caster system with a housing portion, a rolling assembly, and a resilient exterior rim embedded with phosphorescent or luminescent coloring agents, which allows for visibility in the dark and shock absorption, along with a brake assembly for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a caster system is designed for smooth movement and shock absorption, then the movement performance is improved, but the visibility in dark environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phosphorescent or luminescent materials to the caster wheel or housing, which absorb light during daytime and emit light in dark environments. This color change property enables the caster to be visible in dark environments without requiring external power sources, while maintaining the smooth movement performance through proper material selection that does not compromise the rolling properties.
2Illumination intensity
If phosphorescent or luminescent materials are added to the caster, then visibility in dark environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the phosphorescent or luminescent materials directly into the existing caster structure, either by incorporating them into the wheel material itself or by applying them as coatings on the caster housing. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate lighting components, power sources, or control systems, thereby improving visibility while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphorescent or luminescent materials used in the caster are self-powered, absorbing ambient light during the day and emitting it automatically in dark environments without requiring external power sources, switches, or control mechanisms. This self-service property enables the caster to provide its own illumination while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Strength
If the caster is designed for heavy load support, then the load capacity is improved, but the movement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the caster wheel and housing that combine high-strength components for load support with low-friction surfaces for smooth movement. The use of materials such as reinforced polymers or metal composites allows the caster to support heavy furniture loads while maintaining ease of movement through optimized material properties that reduce rolling resistance.
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
Facilitates safe and smooth movement of furniture in dark environments by providing visibility and shock absorption, while supporting heavy loads without external power, and allowing for controlled stopping.
Implementation Method 1
The caster system further includes a brake assembly... and an exterior rim formed of a resilient material having at least one coloring agent embedded therein... The coloring agent is adapted to be luminescent or phosphorescent in a dark environment
Data Source
AI summary
A caster system, including a housing portion, which includes first and second side walls defining an operational space therebetween and an upper wall including a central bore. A rolling assembly is disposed in the operational space, and is rotatable relative to the housing. The rolling assembly includes an exterior rim formed of a resilient material having at least one coloring agent embedded therein. A vertical connection assembly includes a shaft adapted to be fixed to a furniture article and to extend through the central bore in the upper wall. The housing portion is rotatable about the shaft of the vertical connection assembly. The coloring agent is adapted to be luminescent or phosphorescent in a dark environment.