Wheel Mounting Assembly for Interchangeable Wheel Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel mounting systems for travelling devices with modular frames are complex and costly due to the need for different axles for wheels of varying dimensions, making it difficult to change or install wheels efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A wheel mounting assembly comprising a multi-part axle and adapter system, where the axle and adapter connect in a form-locked manner without relative rotation, allowing for easy installation and removal of wheels of different dimensions using a bolt, with features like convex and concave match parts and adjustable hole configurations for torque transmission and secure fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a welded on or one-piece axle is used for travelling devices, then the structure is simple and strong, but it becomes difficult or expensive to change to different types of wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxle strengthVSAvoidwheel interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The axle system is divided into two separate components: a fixed adapter that remains attached to the frame and a removable axle that can be easily exchanged. This segmentation allows the wheel assembly to be changed by removing only the axle portion, while the adapter stays in place, enabling quick wheel interchangeability without compromising the overall structural integrity of the connection to the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If different axles are used for wheels of different dimensions, then each wheel configuration is optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel dimension compatibilityVSAvoidaxle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a universal component that remains fixed on the frame and accommodates multiple axle types. By keeping the adapter as a single multi-functional part, the system can support wheels of different dimensions through simple axle exchanges without requiring multiple complex adapter configurations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

3Force

If a form-locked connection between axle and adapter is used, then torque transmission is maximized, but the installation and removal process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidwheel installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The form-locked connection features are integrated solely into the removable axle component, separating the complex torque-transmission mechanism from the fixed adapter. This allows the axle to be designed with intricate locking geometries that ensure maximum torque transmission, while the adapter remains simple and straightforward, facilitating easy insertion and removal of the axle despite the complex engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4306332A1Wheel mounting assembly and travelling device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 NILFISK AS
  • EP4306332A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306332A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4306332A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a wheel mounting assembly (M) comprising at least one axle (1) and an adapter (2), the axle (1) configured to support a wheel assembly (W), the adapter (2) configured to be fixed on a frame (F), the axle (1) having a first match part (11) at an axle mounting end (E21), the adapter (2) having a second match part (21) at an adapter mounting end (E21), the first match part (11) and the second match part (21) configured to be able to connect with each other in a manner of not relatively rotate with each other in a circumferential direction (C), the axle (1) having at least one axle hole (H1), the adapter (2) having at least one adapter hole (H2), the axle hole (H1) and the adapter hole (H2) configured to be passed through by a fastener.