Furniture Roller Wheel Assembly with Rear-Panel Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin-walled metal drawers face failure at the points where roller wheels are attached due to excessive stress, and existing solutions for complex shapes are either expensive or unsuitable for metal drawers.
Innovation Solution
A movable furniture piece with a pre-mounted roller wheel assembly attached to the rear panel via an axle, distributing forces across the panel to reduce bending stress on the sides, and utilizing a double flanged washer for efficient connection between panels, allowing for efficient manufacturing and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the thickness of side panels is reduced to lower production cost and environmental impact, then manufacturing cost and environmental impact are reduced, but the panels become prone to failure at the wheel attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is divided into separate panels (front, rear, sides, bottom) that can be assembled together. The rear panel is separated from the side panels, allowing the wheel assembly to be mounted on the rear panel rather than the thin side panels, thus distributing structural loads more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is repositioned from the side panels to the rear panel, changing the spatial dimension of attachment. This moves the attachment point from a vulnerable location on thin side panels to a more structurally sound location on the rear panel, where it can better withstand operational forces.
2Reliability
If complex shaped parts are used to attach wheels to thin-walled drawers, then wheel attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is segmented into separate panels that can be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. Instead of creating complex integrated shapes, the patent uses separate flat panels assembled together, with the wheel assembly mounted on the rear panel and connected to side panels through simple joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear panel serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for the wheel assembly, acts as a structural connector between side panels, and distributes mechanical loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized complex-shaped attachment parts.
3Strength
If traditional permanent assembly methods (riveting) are used to fix multiple panels together, then structural strength is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is divided into separate panels that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for adjustable and adaptable assembly. The rear panel connects to side panels in a way that accommodates manufacturing tolerances and allows for easy assembly and disassembly, providing both strength and flexibility in the construction process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A moveable furniture piece (1), comprising at least one first panel (3) and at least one second panel (4) arranged perpendicular to one another, said first and second panels (3, 4) being separate parts and being connected to each other, said first panel (3) being provided with a pre-mounted roller wheel assembly (2), comprising a wheel (200), positioned adjacent to a drawer side, such that the wheel (200) traverses parallel with the side of the moveable furniture piece; wherein the second panel (4) is provided with an opening (5) dimensioned to receive the roller wheel assembly (2).