Retractable Wheel Assembly With One-Handed Tool-Free Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled shoes require manual and complex operations to retract and extend wheel assemblies, often leading to instability and potential loss of retaining covers, which can cause accidents.
Innovation Solution
A wheel device with a wheel seat, opening and closing assembly, and wheel assembly that allows for one-handed operation of the control block to retract and extend wheels, eliminating the need for a retaining cover and simplifying the mounting and dismounting process through snap-fit mechanisms and limit members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining cover is used to secure the wheel assembly, then the wheel assembly is stable and safe, but the structure becomes complex and the retaining cover may fall off after long time without proper maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the retaining cover from the wheel device structure. Instead of using a separate retaining cover to secure the wheel assembly, the design integrates the securing function directly into the wheel seat through a simplified retaining structure that eliminates the need for additional covers and their associated mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retaining cover function with the wheel seat structure. The retaining structure is integrated directly into the wheel seat, combining what were previously separate components (retaining cover and wheel seat) into a unified structure that maintains stability while reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the retaining cover is fixed with a split type detachable fixation structure, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the retaining cover is likely to fall off after long time without proper maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the detachable fixation structure entirely by removing the retaining cover component. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the reliability issue while the simplified integrated structure maintains ease of manufacture through reduced assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If the retaining cover needs to be unfixed and re-fixed with a tool, then the wheel assembly can be mounted and dismounted, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the retaining cover that required tool-based fixation and replacement. The simplified integrated retaining structure allows for tool-free mounting and dismounting operations, eliminating the time loss associated with tool-based assembly and disassembly procedures.
4Ease of operation
If the wheel assembly is retracted by manually pressing the two wheels, then the wheel can be retracted, but the operation requires two hands and is not convenient for one-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control block as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's manual input and the wheel assembly movement. The control block receives manual input (can be operated with one hand) and translates it into the appropriate mechanical action to retract or extend the wheel assembly, eliminating the need for direct two-handed wheel pressing.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a wheel device, a sole, and a wheel extending and retracting operation method. The wheel device includes: a wheel seat provided with an accommodation cavity, a mounting cavity, an mounting recess and a limit member; an opening and closing assembly including an opening and closing board that is provided with an opening and closing hole; and a wheel assembly including a central shaft and a control block, where the control block sleeves the central shaft, and a first necking portion, a second necking portion, an upper stopping portion and a lower stopping portion are arranged on the control block. Under the condition that the opening and closing board is at a dismounting and mounting work position, the control block integrally enters and exits the opening and closing hole to dismount and mount the wheel assembly.