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Analysis of the influence of the position of the castor wheels on the ability to put the trolley in motion
Last modified: 28. 07. 2024
Abstract
The initiation of vehicle motion often requires more force than its continuous movement. In the case of objects equipped with a chassis system driven by muscular force, determining the value of motion resistance force is crucial for assessing device functionality. The aim of the article is to determine the influence of the position of self-aligning wheels on the value of motion resistance force when initiating object movement. The study was conducted on a transport cart (450 kg) equipped with four self-aligning wheels, which can also be used in wheelchairs on the front axle. When initiating the cart's movement on a concrete surface, the motion resistance force value was 221.8 ±10.24 N in the least favorable position of the self-aligning wheels, while it was 92.35 ±9.39 N in the most favorable position. The force required to initiate cart movement can vary by up to 140.2% depending on the examined positions. The lowest motion resistance is observed when the wheels' axis is perpendicular to the direction of movement. Based on this, it is recommended to position the self-aligning wheels in a favorable position before loading the carts, facilitating the subsequent initiation of object movement.