Host: The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Name : [in Japanese]
Date : September 08, 2024 - September 11, 2024
Ball casters are widely used to transport heavy objects such as molds because they can move freely on a surface and they exhibit low friction. However, unlike ordinary rolling bearings, the movement of the balls that support the load is not restricted by a cage or raceway groove, and many aspects of the behavior of ball casters are unknown. To achieve even higher load capacities and lower friction, it is necessary to understand the load distribution and behavior of the balls and optimize the specifications and shape of such casters. To achieve this, the present study determined the load distribution through geometric calculations and measurement of running marks. The behavior of the balls was also investigated through multibody dynamics simulations and observations using a high-speed camera, and the frictional force was compared between the simulations and actual measurements. Based on the results obtained, a shape that combines low friction and high load capacity was proposed, and its effectiveness was confirmed through experiments.
