What is the mechanism behind airport shopping trolley brakes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bladibla
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the braking mechanism used in airport shopping trolleys, specifically focusing on how these brakes function and what type of system is employed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific name and functioning of the braking mechanism in airport trolleys.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the mechanism, suggesting it is unlikely to be complex, comparing it to simpler systems used in walkers or wheelchairs.
  • A different participant proposes that the braking mechanism may operate on a friction basis, likening it to a lever system similar to that of a car's hand brake.
  • Another contributor speculates that the mechanism might resemble those found in bicycles.
  • One participant describes a specific type of brake they have observed, which involves a rod-operated system that clamps the wheel using two circular rubber discs, noting its simplicity and lack of progressive control.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact mechanism used in airport trolleys, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed regarding the nature of the braking system.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the braking mechanism remain unverified, and there is a lack of detailed descriptions or images of the actual systems used in airport trolleys.

Bladibla
Messages
362
Reaction score
1
Hi there.

What is the braking mechanism called used in trolleys/ especially in airport trolleys where you pull the handle to stop the wheels? And how does it work?

Cheers
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I'm afraid that I've never seen one, so I don't know. It's unlikely, however, that they use anything exotic like calipers or brake drums. On 'walkers' for the elderly, or wheelchairs, it's generally just a rubber-coated steel bar that gets pulled against the tire.
 
A brake mechanism works by friction. If they have brakes, it may be a leaver system, much like a hand brake in a car. The service carts on planes have a lever type brake system. One lever is pressed to lock the brake on, and another lever is pressed to release the brake.
 
I have not seen what you are referring to. However, I would think that it would be something similar to what you see in a bicycle.
 
The ones I've seen are just a simple rod-operated brake which clamps the wheel from both sides by two circular rubber discs. You don't really need the progressive control you have with a car or a bike, they're pretty crude, clunky, and on/off.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
903