Roller Locking Device Lateral Spring Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller designs face design restrictions due to the arrangement of return springs, particularly in heavily loaded rollers, which limits the installation space and effective engagement area of the locking device.

Innovation Solution

The locking device for wheel locking is guided on the actuating plunger via a guide sleeve, allowing the return spring to be arranged outside the lower region of the actuating plunger, providing structural freedom and a larger impact area, with the locking device extending in both radii directions from the support area of the return spring, and featuring a friction surface for enhanced braking or locking interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the return spring is arranged below the actuating plunger (coaxially), then the locking device can interact with the return spring, but the usable installation space is restricted and the effective engagement area of the locking device is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device engagement areaVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is relocated from a coaxial arrangement below the actuating plunger to a lateral arrangement beside the actuating plunger. This dimensional change allows the locking device to extend further in the radial direction, increasing the effective engagement area without compromising installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the locking device is designed to extend in both radii directions from the support area, then a large friction surface can be formed, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed as a single component that integrates multiple functions: it extends in both radial directions to provide large friction surfaces for load-bearing, while simultaneously incorporating guidance features for the actuating plunger and support structures for the return spring, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device serves multiple purposes: it provides friction surfaces for braking/locking wheels, guides the actuating plunger through integrated guide sleeves, and supports the return spring laterally. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design enables a large construction of the locking device at low cost, with improved load-bearing capabilities and a larger friction surface, effectively supporting high loads up to 200 kg, while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring (13), which acts laterally offset from the actuating plunger (8), in particular directly on a wheel axle (14), to bias the locking device (5) into the release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the locking device (5) consists of a friction surface (6), which interacts to brake or lock the wheels (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2741924B1Running roller
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 TENTE
  • EP2741924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2741924B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2741924B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates first of all to a running roller (1), preferably a double roller, having one or two wheels (2), a housing (3), a locking device (5), at any rate for wheel locking, and an actuating tappet (8) for acting on the locking device (5), wherein the locking device (5) is guided on the actuating tappet (8) and a restoring spring (13) which is supported such that it is fixed on the housing and prestresses the locking device (5) into the release position thereof is provided outside the actuating tappet (8). In order to specify a running roller which also opens up structurally favourable possibilities with regard to a high load-bearing capability, it is proposed that the restoring spring (13) is arranged laterally offset with respect to the actuating tappet (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to a running roller, preferably a double roller, having a direction locking means and a total locking means, wherein an engagement part (15) which is connected fixedly to an actuating part so as to rotate with it is provided for directional locking, which engagement part (15) interacts positively with a first mating part (16) in the case of mere directional locking and interacts with a second mating part (17) for total locking. In order to specify alternative embodiments, it is proposed that the engagement part (15) interacts frictionally with the second mating part (17).