Self-orienting Caster with Asymmetric Support and Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hubless self-orienting casters with a single wheel face structural instability and difficulty in assembly, leading to issues with functionality and ease of rolling due to asymmetric configurations under load stress.
Innovation Solution
A self-orienting caster design featuring a single wheel that rotates on a tubular shaft, utilizing a molded plastic structure with a cylindrical inner ring and external covering to ensure mechanical strength, aesthetics, and ease of assembly, along with a braking mechanism for added reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wheel is used in a hubless caster, then the device complexity is reduced, but the supporting structure becomes asymmetric and undergoes deformations under load stress, worsening reliability and ease of rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a specific asymmetric supporting structure configuration tailored for single-wheel casters. The supporting structure includes a base element with a specific geometric arrangement that is optimized for single-wheel applications, creating an asymmetric design that prevents deformations under load stress while maintaining reliability and ease of rolling.
2Device complexity
If a single wheel is used in a hubless caster, then the device complexity is reduced, but the assembly becomes rather laborious, worsening ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the wheel directly with the supporting structure in a unified assembly process. The wheel and supporting structure are designed to be assembled together as an integrated unit, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing labor requirements compared to separate assembly of complex components.
3Reliability
If a braking device is added to the caster, then the reliability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a braking device that automatically engages when the caster is stationary or moving slowly, and automatically disengages when the caster is in motion. This self-regulating mechanism provides reliable braking functionality without requiring additional control systems or increasing overall device complexity, as the brake operates autonomously based on the caster's motion state.
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 design provides constructive stability and high reliability in operation, allowing for efficient assembly and effective load distribution, while the braking system ensures the caster can be neutralized when needed, enhancing functionality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the wheels and the tubular shaft have mutually opposite tracks for the rolling of balls or rollers for rotary support of the wheels
Implementation Method 2
A vertical cylindrical recess is provided in the supporting structure, is open upward, is axially offset with respect to the shaft, and acts as a rotation seat for a vertical pivot for the self-orientation (pivoting) of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture and the like, comprising at least one wheel which is supported so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis by a supporting structure which has a vertical cylindrical recess which is open upward and is axially offset with respect to said horizontal axis and constitutes said seat in which a pivot for the pivoting of the caster can rotate, the pivot being insertable in a receptacle of the piece of furniture onto which the caster is to be fitted, the supporting structure comprising two mutually opposite annular flanges, which form respective circular and coaxial holes, a tubular body whose opposite ends are rigidly coupled to the inner edges of the holes and form externally, between the flanges, a rolling track for a supporting bearing for the wheel, respective extensions being monolithically rigidly coupled to the flanges and being mutually associable so as to form the seat which is designed to receive the pivot for the pivoting of the wheel.