Retractable Ball Bearing Support Assembly for Refrigerated Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for structures like refrigerated cases face issues with wheel locks becoming worn, leading to unintended movement and high costs, while stationary legs hinder movement but do not facilitate it effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a retractable ball bearing system that can extend or retract to facilitate movement, using a coupling assembly with a rail for casters to enable easy relocation and secure positioning, reducing the need for expensive wheels and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel locks are used to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the locks become worn over time leading to unintended movement and requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the wheel assembly and implements it through a separate adjustable support leg with a lockable mechanism. This separates the movement prevention function from the wheel, allowing the wheel to remain simple and durable while the dedicated support leg provides reliable locking when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg includes an adjustable length mechanism that can be modified to change the height and positioning parameters of the support assembly. This allows adaptation to different surfaces and stability requirements without replacing entire wheel assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If wheels are used to facilitate movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the wheels represent a significant portion of the financial cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simpler, less expensive wheel alternatives such as glides or basic casters that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using expensive heavy-duty wheel assemblies. The focus is on providing adequate mobility at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly includes adjustable elements that allow the structure to be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured. The support legs can be adjusted in length and position to accommodate different mobility needs and surface conditions, providing versatility without requiring expensive specialized wheels.
3Reliability
If stationary support legs are used to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the ability to facilitate movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed with adjustable length and positioning capabilities, allowing them to be configured for either stable stationary support or repositioned to facilitate movement. The lockable mechanism enables the legs to provide firm stability when needed while maintaining the ability to be adjusted for mobility operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple independent adjustable support legs rather than a single fixed structure. This segmentation allows individual legs to be adjusted or repositioned independently to balance stability and mobility requirements in different locations of the assembly.
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 retractable ball bearing system allows for easy movement during installation and alignment, while secure positioning prevents unintended movement, reducing costs and improving support assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing assembly includes a ball bearing configured to rotate with respect to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly includes a body and a bearing assembly. The body defines a first opening. The bearing assembly is selectively repositionable within the first opening. The bearing assembly includes a housing, a socket, and a ball. The housing defines a second opening. The socket is positioned at least partly within the second opening and coupled to the housing. The ball bearing is positioned within the socket. The ball bearing is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The bearing assembly is selectively repositionable between a first position, where the ball bearing extends from the body, and a second position, where the ball bearing does not extend from the body.