The Secret to Making Furniture Move: Unlocking the Mysteries of Furniture Wheels

Today, we'll unveil the grand engineering world behind this tiny component, exploring how to completely transform the user experience of furniture through the right choices, making your space truly "flow."

I. Classification by Core Function and Structure (The Most Basic Division)

1. Swivel Wheel Details:

Core Structure: Features a horizontal rotating mechanism (usually containing two rows of steel balls or a ball bearing), allowing the wheel frame to rotate freely 360 degrees.

Mounting Plate: Contains a central steering shaft connected to the wheel frame.

Features: Extremely flexible, allowing for multi-directional movement in confined spaces.

Typical Applications: Office chairs, movable cabinets, service carts (often used as swivel wheels).

2. Fixed-axis wheel details:

Structural core: The wheel frame is fixed to the mounting plate, without a horizontal rotation mechanism.

Features: Can only roll forward and backward along the plane of the wheel; cannot turn independently. Stable running trajectory; not easily deviated under load.

Typical applications: Used in combination with omnidirectional wheels to provide stable linear movement for equipment. For example, handcarts (omnidirectional in the front, fixed in the rear), suitcases.

3. Braking wheel details:
This is a combination of functions, not an independent type. Both omnidirectional and fixed-axis wheels can be equipped with braking functions.

Brake types are divided into: Wheel surface brakes: Brake pads are pressed against the wheel surface via a lever or pedal to prevent rolling. This is the most common type of "brake." Steering brakes: Lock the horizontal rotation mechanism to prevent the wheel from turning, making it a "fixed-axis wheel," but it can still roll.

Dual-brake function: Possesses both of the above functions simultaneously.

Typical applications: Kitchen island carts, tool cabinets, medical beds, audio-visual equipment racks, used when stable parking is required.