Pivotable Foot Actuation Lever for Caster Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for caster assemblies, particularly in hospital beds, are cumbersome and difficult to operate, posing challenges in efficiently preventing wheels from rolling and creating tripping hazards.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a pivoting bar and foot pedal that allows for easy elevation of casters using a lever mechanism, providing mechanical advantage and safe access, while preventing tripping hazards by keeping the foot pedal tucked away when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to elevate casters to prevent rolling, then the locking function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and caster elevation function into a single integrated mechanism. The foot pedal actuation lever is directly connected to the caster assembly through a linkage system, so that depressing the pedal simultaneously elevates the caster and engages the locking function, eliminating the need for separate locking and elevation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses the user's foot force directly to elevate the caster and engage the lock. The foot pedal actuation lever converts the downward foot force into lifting motion for the caster, and the spring-loaded follower automatically engages the locked position when the caster is elevated, requiring no additional actuators or complex control systems
2Ease of operation
If a foot pedal is extended for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but tripping hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal actuation lever is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be depressed downward for operation, then automatically returns to a retracted horizontal position when released. This dynamic movement allows easy foot access during operation while eliminating tripping hazards when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded follower is positioned to automatically engage the locked position as soon as the caster is elevated, before the user needs to release the foot pedal. This preliminary engagement ensures the locking function is activated in advance, allowing the foot pedal to be released and retracted without compromising safety
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 simplifies the operation of locking and unlocking caster assemblies by providing mechanical advantage for elevation and ensuring safety by keeping the foot pedal accessible yet out of the way, enhancing usability and safety for users.
Implementation Method 1
A locking mechanism featuring a pivoting bar and foot pedal that allows for easy elevation of casters using a lever mechanism, providing mechanical advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism (100) includes one or more casters (102,103,104,105) coupled to a frame (101). A lift mechanism (106,107) is distally extendable from the frame to elevate the casters. A pivoting bar (108) is pivotable relative to the frame to distally extend the lift mechanism from the frame. A foot pedal (113) is pivotable relative to the pivoting bar between a closed position and an angularly displaced open position. When in the angularly displaced open position, the foot pedal can extend distally from the pivoting bar.