What are swivel and fixed wheels?
In our daily lives, we often see universal and fixed wheels on various equipment, furniture and even transportation. While these two types of wheels may seem simple, they are very different in terms of design and function. Understanding their differences is essential to choosing the right wheel for a specific purpose.
Often referred to as a steering wheel, a Swivel Caster can roll in any direction and rotate freely. This means that a gimbal wheel provides a full range of mobility, making it ideal for applications that require flexibility. In contrast, a fixed wheel (Rigid Caster) can only roll in a straight line and cannot rotate freely. Nonetheless, fixed wheels are widely used in applications that require linear motion due to their stability.
Design Principle: The Difference Between a Universal Wheel and a Fixed Wheel
The difference in design principle between a universal wheel and a fixed wheel is mainly reflected in their structure and function. First, let's take a look at the design of a universal wheel. The core feature of a universal wheel is that it has a bearing that can rotate freely, and this bearing allows the wheel to turn in any direction on a horizontal plane. This design allows the gimbal wheel to easily cope with a variety of complex mobility needs, whether turning or traveling straight ahead.
In contrast, the fixed wheel design is simpler and more straightforward. A fixed wheel has no swivel bearings, so it can only roll along a fixed axis and cannot change direction. The advantage of this design is that it is more stable, and because there are no additional bearings or rotating mechanisms, the overall structure is stronger and more durable.
Application Scenarios for Swivel Wheels
Because of their excellent flexibility and versatility, gimbals are widely used in many different application areas. For example, in hospital environments, beds and medical trolleys are often equipped with gimbals so that healthcare professionals can easily move patients around the ward. According to the American Health Care Association, more than 90 percent of hospital beds are equipped with gimbals, which not only increases efficiency but also improves the patient care experience.
In addition, office furniture such as office chairs and filing cabinets often utilize gimbals. This allows users to move and reposition themselves freely without much effort. According to the International Federation of Furniture Manufacturers, approximately 75 percent of modern office chairs are equipped with gimbals. This design not only enhances the comfort of the working environment, but also increases the flexibility of space utilization.
Swivel caster also play an important role in industrial equipment and warehouse management. For example, many logistics and warehousing facilities in the pallet trucks and handling equipment have adopted the universal wheel design to improve the efficiency and flexibility of goods transportation. According to statistics, more than 80% of global logistics equipment is equipped with universal wheels, which demonstrates their great value in enhancing work efficiency.
Application Scenarios for Fixed Wheels
Fixed wheels also play an irreplaceable role in many situations, especially where stability and linear motion are required. For example, heavy equipment and machinery often use fixed wheels to ensure stability and load-carrying capacity. Fixed wheels have a simple and robust construction that allows them to move in a straight line while carrying heavy loads. According to the Association of Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers, approximately 60% of industrial equipment and heavy machinery uses fixed wheels.
Fixed wheels also play an important role in furniture manufacturing. For example, large furniture pieces such as closets and bookcases are often fitted with fixed wheels at the bottom to ensure smooth movement during transportation. The stability of the fixed wheels helps to prevent the furniture from tipping over or being damaged during movement. According to the European Federation of Furniture Manufacturers (EFM), approximately 45% of all large furniture is designed with fixed wheels.
In addition, fixed wheels are widely used in transportation. For example, many bicycles and motorcycles have a fixed-wheel design on the rear wheel to ensure stability and control during travel. According to the Global Bicycle Manufacturers Association, about 80% of bicycles have a fixed-wheel design for the rear wheel. This design not only improves riding safety, but also enhances the overall performance of the vehicle.
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