Sliding Panel Wheel Assembly with Independent Vertical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art wheel assemblies for sliding elements are difficult to adjust vertically and distribute load evenly across wheels, leading to premature failure and uneven sliding due to disproportionate loading.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with independently vertically adjustable subassemblies and a carriage that allows rocking of wheels, enabling variable angle and differential height adjustment to ensure even load distribution and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art wheel assemblies use fixed wheel positions in housing, then the structure is simple, but the wheels cannot be vertically adjusted to distribute load evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into multiple independent subassemblies (first subassembly with first pair of wheels, second subassembly with second pair of wheels). Each subassembly can be independently vertically adjusted relative to the housing, allowing separate control of wheel positions to achieve even load distribution across all wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The first and second subassemblies are configured to allow independent vertical adjustment, enabling the system to adapt to uneven surfaces and distribute load evenly across all wheels during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are fixed at single height, then manufacturing is simple, but wheels cannot accommodate uneven surfaces or track variations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing contains multiple independently adjustable subassemblies rather than a single fixed wheel assembly. This segmentation allows each subassembly to be manufactured separately and then assembled into the housing, providing adaptability to surface variations while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
3Strength
If load is not evenly distributed across wheels, then the structure remains simple, but wheels experience disproportionate forces leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wheel assembly into multiple independently adjustable subassemblies, the system can distribute load evenly across all wheels. Each subassembly can be positioned to bear equal weight, preventing any single wheel from experiencing disproportionate forces that would lead to premature failure.
4Ease of operation
If wheels are not vertically adjusted, then the assembly is simpler, but the sliding element may not slide smoothly and may impact on track edge
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates dynamic vertical adjustment capability where the first and second subassemblies can be independently positioned vertically. This allows the wheels to be adjusted to the correct height to clear the track edge and enable smooth sliding operation of the sliding element.
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 allows for even load distribution across all wheels, preventing premature failure and ensuring smooth sliding on uneven surfaces, while maintaining sufficient clearance and extending the longevity of the wheel assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first subassembly having a first pair of wheels, the first subassembly being configured so as to allow rocking of the first pair of wheels, a second subassembly having a second pair of wheels, the second subassembly being configured so as to allow rocking of the second pair of wheels
Implementation Method 2
each of the support members form a pivot about which the two wheels of each subassembly rock
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wheel assembly having an elongate housing configured to engage with and support a sliding panel element. The housing has a first subassembly having a first pair of wheels, the first subassembly being configured so as to allow rocking of the first pair of wheels. The housing also has a second subassembly having a second pair of wheels, the second subassembly being configured so as to allow rocking of the second pair of wheels. The first and second subassemblies are independently vertically adjustable with reference to the housing. The present wheel assemblies may be of the type used to support a sliding door or similar, on a surface such as a track.