Self-Locking Brake Mechanism for Wheeled Distance Measuring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheeled distance measuring devices require constant manual activation of the brake key to maintain the brake status, which can be unreliable, especially in situations where the user needs to move the device to a different location for reading results, and is prone to accidental release due to impacts or slips.
Innovation Solution
A brake mechanism that includes a first and second brake rod system with a locking mechanism, allowing the brake key to be locked in the braked position without continuous manual activation, ensuring the wheel remains braked even if the key is released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional brake key mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the brake status cannot be maintained reliably when the user needs to move the device
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism automatically maintains the braked state through self-locking features. The brake key has protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the brake rod, creating a self-sustaining locked position without requiring continuous manual pressure or attention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake key is designed with pre-positioned protrusions that automatically engage with the brake rod's locking recesses when the brake is activated. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that once engaged, the brake maintains its status without requiring further action, preparing the system in advance for reliable maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the brake key is held continuously to maintain brake status, then the brake remains engaged, but the user cannot easily move the device to locations with sufficient light for reading results
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism allows the brake to maintain its engaged state autonomously through the interaction of protrusions and recesses. This eliminates the need for the user to continuously hold the brake key, freeing their hands to move the device to well-lit locations for reading measurement results while the brake remains reliably engaged.
3Ease of operation
If the brake key is released to move the device, then the device is easy to handle, but the wheel may roll accidentally and the measurement result becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking brake mechanism maintains the braked state through automatic engagement of protrusions with locking recesses, eliminating the need for continuous manual pressure. This allows the user to handle and move the device freely while the brake autonomously prevents wheel rotation, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained throughout the process.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain brake status, then the brake can be held reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes simple geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that automatically engage through the existing brake key movement. This self-service approach maintains reliability without adding complex locking components, as the locking function is integrated into the basic brake key structure itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake mechanism for a wheeled distance measuring device includes a first brake rod and a second brake rod, both of which are located in a pole unit of the distance measuring device. The first brake rod is connected with a brake key and the second brake rod is connected with a contact section which has a brake pad connected thereto. The brake key includes first and second protrusions and a control rod is connected with the first brake rod, the control rod includes third and fourth protrusions. A locking recess is defined between the third and fourth protrusions. The first and second brake rods are lowered to brake the wheel by the brake pad when the first protrusion presses the third protrusion. The second protrusion is locked in the locking recess and presses the third protrusion to keep the wheel to be braked.