Wheel Between Two Plates

[AtomicSheep]

Hi,

Trying to figure out how to attach a wheel between two plates like this:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iYcAAOSwFe5XxwA~/s-l300.jpg

I don't want to use a bolt because the bolt and the nut would be adding width to the assembly - I'm trying to keep the whole construction as narrow as possible.

Not sure what other methods are out there.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

IF the wheel doesn't have to carry much weight, a compression/expansion joint right at the axle would work (think rivet, but with the outside metal plate acting as the bendable material). If it must carry weight, you need some form of axle, and one that won't let the outer plates bend away... weld, then grind flat?

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rb1957]

1) machine the shaft onto one of the plates (flush on the outside surface)

2) dimple the sheet metal (to bury the rivet/bolt head) ... makes the wheel slightly more complicated.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[3DDave]

I had a similar problem. I used an axle with counterbores in the ends and then put the assembled group into an arbor press with a ball bearing sitting on the counterbore. This swaged the counterbore out to fill the hole and was very secure.

What was pictured had a headed fastener swaged on one end, but I didn't have a machine to cold form the head, so just used plain rod.

 

[LittleInch]

Something like this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/inter-screws-m4-x-10-pack/65152

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[MintJulep]

There are unthreaded PEM studs with flush heads.

 

[rb1957]

those screwfix things would work better if the driver socket was recessed (and so flush).

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[BrianE22]

Use 2 thin wheels with a small gap between them. Run a plate in the gap that supports the wheels.

 

[rb1957]

ie support the wheel pair on a Tee extrusion.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[MadMango]

What load, what speeds?

One plate could have a D-hole. Shaft would have corresponding flat on one end, then grooves in the shaft for c-clips or e-clips inside the plates to prevent axial movement. Could complicate further by coining recesses in the plates so the ends of the shaft are flush with the exterior.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[dhengr]

AtomicSheep
You said “a wheel,” but your picture shows four wheels, so which is it; and you mentioned plates, but couldn’t waste the time to show them, so we would have some idea what you are talking about. So, here’s another guess. I’d move the wheel(s) over there, and I’d move the plates the other way and rotate them this way so they line up with that other thingy you didn’t bother to show. You could also angulate the center of un-symmetry so the length of the width is more in relation to the thickness of the wheel diameter.

 

[handleman]

Put that thing away, dhengr.

OP explained his problem simply and briefly, asked for rough conceptual ideas, and showed an obviously stock photo to give us a mental picture. Several valid and useful suggestions by contributors, several of which I've used myself in the past. The only thing I see missing is a return followup post with some thanks.

 

[LeonhardEuler]

Put a set screw through the top of plates and shaft and bearings in the roller.

 

[KB P]

Weld a rod with the wheel in place between the two plates?

Depending on load and other requirements you can design a feature on both sides of the plate that allows you to properly position the rod and weld it without adding any material on the sides of the plates.