Rotatable Wheel Support with Dynamic Offset Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omnidirectional wheel supports fail to maintain stability and alignment when the support and axis form an angle other than the unstretched spring position, and the fixed offset block on the nut or ring of the fork neutralizes the spring extension across various angles, preventing the support from returning to alignment.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded return mechanism with an offset lock on the nut allows the wheel support to adjust its position relative to the fixed axis, ensuring infinite stability positions and automatic realignment when lifted, utilizing a spring-loaded rod or rope attached to the nut for self-positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed offset block is used on the nut or ring of the fork to maintain wheel alignment, then the wheel can be locked in a fixed position, but the spring extension is neutralized throughout various angles of rotation, preventing the support from returning to alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed offset block with a dynamic offset block that can move along the nut or ring of the fork. This allows the offset distance to vary as the wheel rotates, enabling the spring to maintain its extension force throughout the rotation range while still providing alignment stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking mechanism as an intermediary between the offset block and the nut/ring. This locking mechanism selectively engages to hold the offset block at specific positions, allowing the system to switch between a stable fixed position and a versatile rotated position as required by the application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support is designed to allow infinite rotation positions throughout 360°, then the wheel can assume any desired orientation, but the spring-loaded return mechanism cannot recall the support to alignment when the support and axis form an angle other than the unstretched spring position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the offset block dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position along the nut or ring as the wheel rotates. This dynamic adjustment maintains the spring's extension force throughout the rotation, enabling the support to return to alignment position while still allowing infinite rotation positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of offset distance from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on the rotation angle. By adjusting the offset block's position along the nut or ring, the system maintains optimal spring extension across all rotation angles, ensuring both flexibility and alignment recall capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wheel support uses a simple fixed mounting, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the wheel cannot automatically assume a favorable position when lifted, hindering loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-positioning mechanism where the spring-loaded offset block automatically adjusts the wheel to its optimal position when lifted. The spring force drives the offset block to the correct position without requiring external intervention, providing automatic positioning while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the spring mechanism to perform preliminary positioning action before the wheel is fully installed or used. When the wheel support is lifted or installed, the spring automatically pushes the offset block to the correct position in advance, ensuring the wheel is properly aligned before loading operations begin.
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 solution provides automatic stabilization and alignment of the omnidirectional wheel, ensuring it assumes a favorable position upon lifting, preventing hindrance during loading, particularly beneficial in applications like ambulance stretchers where three-dimensional wheels can assume undesired positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring-loaded return means, connected at one end to the fixed support and at the other to an offset lock on the nut for fastening said support
Implementation Method 2
the action of the spring cannot recall, returns, said support to alignment
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A rotatable wheel support (10) particularly adapted to obtain infinite positions throughout 360° relative to the fixed vertical axis of rotation (BB) of said support. This is achieved by means of at least one spring-loaded return means, connected at one end (3) to the fixed support and at the other to an offset lock (P) on the nut (2) for fastening said support (10). A stabilizer device is provided to cause the wheel to rotate upon exertion of lateral stresses or thrusts of sufficient intensity to release the stabilization system.