Casters: Difference between revisions
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= | =Challenge= | ||
Determining the best use of space is a process, not an end result. This is especially true when space | Determining the best use of space is a process, not an end result. This is especially true when space | ||
is at a premium. Furniture and equipment are easier to move when they have wheels. | is at a premium. Furniture and equipment are easier to move when they have wheels. | ||
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be easy to lock and unlock with a foot or a hand. | be easy to lock and unlock with a foot or a hand. | ||
=Approach= | |||
Subcomponent count and 3D printability of existing caster designs were surveyed. Eleven revisions of test caster were designed, printed, and destructively tested to arrive at a working locking mechanism and feature construction given the constraints imposed | Subcomponent count and 3D printability of existing caster designs were surveyed. Eleven revisions of test caster were designed, printed, and destructively tested to arrive at a working locking mechanism and feature construction given the constraints imposed | ||
by the FDM 3D printing process. Initial designs used 608 roller skate bearings. Later designs increased the number of axes with a preloaded bearing and decreased subcomponent count and cost by integrating printed bearing races into existing printed components. | by the FDM 3D printing process. Initial designs used 608 roller skate bearings. Later designs increased the number of axes with a preloaded bearing and decreased subcomponent count and cost by integrating printed bearing races into existing printed components. | ||
==Current components:== | |||
* 6mm stainless steel balls | * 6mm stainless steel balls | ||
* Stainless M8x130 bolt, nut | * Stainless M8x130 bolt, nut | ||
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* Printed locking lever (0.4 hours) | * Printed locking lever (0.4 hours) | ||
==Interoperability:== | |||
==Development targets== | |||
* Locking caster v12 | * Locking caster v12 |
Revision as of 21:26, 1 July 2020
Challenge
Determining the best use of space is a process, not an end result. This is especially true when space is at a premium. Furniture and equipment are easier to move when they have wheels. But after you’ve moved them, they should be as stable as possible. So the casters should be easy to lock and unlock with a foot or a hand.
Approach
Subcomponent count and 3D printability of existing caster designs were surveyed. Eleven revisions of test caster were designed, printed, and destructively tested to arrive at a working locking mechanism and feature construction given the constraints imposed by the FDM 3D printing process. Initial designs used 608 roller skate bearings. Later designs increased the number of axes with a preloaded bearing and decreased subcomponent count and cost by integrating printed bearing races into existing printed components.
Current components:
- 6mm stainless steel balls
- Stainless M8x130 bolt, nut
- 2x printed M8 thrust bearings
- Printed flexible roller (1 hour)
- Printed hub (1.5 hours)
- Printed retaining ring (0.5 hours)
- Printed locking lever (0.4 hours)
Interoperability:
Development targets
- Locking caster v12