Quick-Release Wheel Axle Assembly for Carrying Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel assemblies for carrying cases and bulk objects are unstable on uneven terrain and lack the ability to easily exchange wheels for different terrains or storage, making them difficult to navigate and transport effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a bracket attached to the bulk object, featuring bosses for secure mounting and a quick-release mechanism with a two-stage clip locking system, allowing for easy installation and removal of larger wheels to navigate various surfaces and facilitate wheel exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If small permanently attached wheels are used in the carrying case, then the shelter can roll on smooth flat surfaces, but the assembly becomes unstable on uneven terrain and the wheels cannot be exchanged for different terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components: the axle assembly with bosses that attaches to the bracket, and the wheels that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows different wheel types to be exchanged based on terrain requirements while maintaining a stable mounting system through the boss-axle connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly transitions from a fixed permanent attachment to a dynamic configurable system where wheels can be quickly exchanged. The quick-release mechanism allows the wheel configuration to adapt dynamically to different terrain conditions, enabling the user to optimize wheel selection for each specific terrain type.
2Ease of operation
If wheels are permanently attached to the carrying case, then the assembly is secure, but the wheels cannot be easily removed for storage or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly includes pre-positioned bosses that extend from the bracket, prepared in advance to receive the axle. This preliminary configuration allows for quick attachment and detachment of wheels without requiring complex fastening operations, enabling easy replacement while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel removal process extracts the wheel from the axle assembly through a simple pulling motion, separating the wheel from the mounting system without requiring tool intervention. This extraction mechanism maintains security during normal use while enabling easy removal when needed for replacement or storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger wheels (4-6 inches) are used to navigate uneven surfaces, then terrain capability improves, but the wheel assembly becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The boss-axle mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides stable support for large wheels on uneven terrain, enables quick wheel replacement, and allows the assembly to be configured for different wheel sizes. This universal mounting mechanism handles various wheel configurations without requiring different attachment systems, managing complexity through design versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A releasable wheel assembly includes a bracket having a plurality of bosses, each boss including a hole that receives an axle. A pair of wheels are mounted on the axle and a pair of locking caps fit over respective ends of the axle, the locking caps each including a clip for engaging the axle at a circumferential groove to prevent movement of the locking cap along the axle. The wheel assembly can be mounted to a carry bag or other storage unit by mounting the bracket to the storage unit, where the wheels and axle can be easily removed from the bracket.