Refuse Bin Wheel Hub with Molded Elastic Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional waste collection bin wheels have complex designs requiring multiple parts for assembly and disassembly, leading to increased complexity and potential wear during use.

Innovation Solution

A waste collection bin wheel with a plastic hub featuring an elastically deformable locking element molded directly into the hub, eliminating the need for separate springs and pins, and incorporating a sacrificial element to minimize wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spring and pin assembly is used for locking the wheel to the axle, then the wheel can be securely fastened, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel fastening securityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged into the hub structure itself. The hub includes an insertion hole for the axle with a locking mechanism formed directly during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate spring and pin components. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hub structure provides its own locking mechanism through the molded-in insertion hole design. The hub serves both as the structural component and as the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking components that would require additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional spring and pin assembly with an additional slot is used, then the wheel can be removed for replacement, but the disassembly procedure becomes awkward and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel replaceabilityVSAvoiddisassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removal function is merged with the existing insertion hole structure. The same insertion hole that receives the axle during assembly also provides access to the locking mechanism for removal, eliminating the need for a separate slot and simplifying the disassembly procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking element is made from separate components (spring and pin), then the locking mechanism can be adjusted, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged into the hub as a molded-in feature. The insertion hole includes integrated locking elements that are formed during the hub molding process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of spring and pin components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The molded-in locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure fastening during operation and allows for tool-free removal when needed. This multi-functional design simplifies both manufacturing and operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Simplifies the design and assembly of the wheel, reducing the number of parts and minimizing wear during use by integrating the locking mechanism and using a sacrificial element to absorb frictional stress.

Implementation Method 1

at least one wheel locking element on the axle, molded with the hub, elastically deformable, and extending inside the insertion hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the locking element comprising a sacrificial element configured to be in contact with the axle... the axle will rub against the sacrificial element of the rotating wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4206092A1Means for fixing a wheel of a refuse collection container
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 SULO FRANCE
  • EP4206092A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4206092A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4206092A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a waste collection bin wheel (2) comprising a hub (4) made of plastic material, the hub (4) comprising an insertion hole (6) for an axle (3) made on a face (11) of the hub (4), at least one locking element (12) for the wheel (2) on the axle (3), molded with the hub (4), elastically deformable, and extending inside the insertion hole (6), the locking element (12) comprising a sacrificial element configured to be in contact with the axle (3).