Retractable Wheel Lead Screw Layout for Compact Rolling Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling devices for moving cumbersome objects, such as furniture and building elements, lack a simple and reliable mechanism for easily transitioning a wheel between retracted and extended positions, and often have complex control systems and non-compact constructions.
Innovation Solution
A rolling device with a wheel axle, lead screw, nut, and drive motor that allows the wheel to be displaced between extended and retracted positions using a gear arrangement and flexible lead screw, with control options for remote or autonomous operation, and a compact housing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical click system with spring is used to position the wheel between upper and lower positions, then the device can be controlled manually, but the construction becomes complex and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical click system with spring (NO 316760 B1) with an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism. The drive motor rotates the lead screw to move the wheel axially between retracted and extended positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining manual controllability through simple motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spring and click system components from the design, removing the mechanical positioning complexity. The lead screw mechanism provides positioning functionality without requiring springs, click latches, or complex mechanical interlocks, thereby simplifying the overall construction.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic actuator system with wireless control is used to move the piston, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional control system where a single drive motor performs both the actuation function (moving the wheel between positions) and the positioning function (precise axial placement). The motor can be controlled manually via simple switches or remotely via wireless signals, providing universal control capability without requiring separate actuator and control systems.
3Device complexity
If the lead screw is arranged close to the wheel axle, then the mechanism is more compact, but the structural stability and force transmission decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the lead screw at a distance from the wheel axle, utilizing the radial dimension effectively. This offset arrangement creates a lever arm that enhances force transmission while the lead screw's axial motion still achieves compact overall device dimensions. The distance between the lead screw and wheel axle is optimized to balance compactness with mechanical advantage.
4Device complexity
If a simple mechanical rolling device is used, then the construction is compact, but the control precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical rolling mechanisms with a motor-driven lead screw system that provides controlled, precise, and reliable positioning. The lead screw mechanism inherently provides mechanical advantage and precise position control through its threaded geometry, while the motor provides consistent and reliable actuation force.
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
Enables easy and reliable movement of objects by simplifying the control and construction of the wheel mechanism, allowing for efficient use in various environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw with a nut, at least one axle support member rotatably connected in one end in a fixed pivot point and in the other end connected to the lead screw nut. The rolling device further comprises a drive motor connected to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw for displacing the lead screw nut and thereby displacing the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling device for a device to enable the moving of the device along a surface comprises a wheel axle carrying a wheel, a lead screw with a nut, at least one axle support member rotatably connected in one end in a fixed pivot point and in the other end connected to the lead screw nut, and a drive motor connected to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw for displacing the lead screw nut and thereby displacing the wheel between an extended position and a retracted position. Each axle support member supports an end portion of the wheel axle, and the wheel has two side faces. The lead screw is arranged tangentially to the rotational direction of the wheel between the two side faces of the wheel at a distance from the wheel axle larger than the radius of the wheel.