Editorial Technical Reference

Brake Mechanism

This page explains how Brake Mechanism is classified within Furniture Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A mechanical or friction-based device integrated into a furniture caster to lock the wheel in place and prevent unwanted movement.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Brake Mechanism

Definition
The brake mechanism is a critical safety and stability component within a furniture caster assembly. Its primary role is to engage with the caster's wheel or axle to create sufficient friction or a physical lock, thereby immobilizing the furniture piece on a surface. This prevents rolling due to slopes, vibrations, or accidental contact, ensuring the furniture remains stationary when required, such as for safety, precise positioning, or during use. The mechanism typically involves a lever, pedal, or twist-lock that the user actuates. This action either presses a brake pad directly against the wheel tread (friction brake) or engages a cam or pin into a notch on the wheel hub or a stationary part of the caster fork (positive lock brake). Releasing the lever disengages the brake, allowing the wheel to rotate freely again. The brake mechanism is designed for use in furniture casters with wheel diameters ranging from 40 to 75 mm, and it supports a maximum load per caster of 80 to 300 kg. The brake holding force, which is the force required to prevent wheel rotation, ranges from 200 to 600 N. The torque required to disengage the brake is between 1.5 and 3.5 N·m. The mechanism operates within a temperature range of -20 to 60 °C and a non-condensing humidity range of 30 to 80 % RH. It is available with ingress protection ratings from IP20 to IP40, as per IEC 60529. Materials used include steel, zinc alloy, nylon, and rubber. Steel structural parts are typically of grades Q235 to Q345, as per GB/T 700. Surface treatment for corrosion resistance is zinc-nickel, as per ASTM B841. The weight of the brake mechanism is between 0.15 and 0.45 kg. These values are reference ranges for directory purposes; actual specifications must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application.
Working Principle
The brake mechanism operates through a user-actuated lever, pedal, or twist-lock. When engaged, it either presses a brake pad against the wheel tread (friction brake) or inserts a cam or pin into a notch on the wheel hub or caster fork (positive lock brake). This action creates friction or a mechanical lock, preventing wheel rotation. Releasing the actuator disengages the brake, allowing free rotation. The mechanism is designed to provide a holding force of 200–600 N and requires a release torque of 1.5–3.5 N·m.
Common Materials
Steel, Zinc Alloy, Nylon, Rubber
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Load Capacity80–300 kgMaximum load per caster
Wheel Diameter40–75 mmCommon sizes for furniture casters
Brake Holding Force200–600 NForce required to prevent wheel rotation
Brake Release Torque1.5–3.5 N·mTorque to disengage the brake
Operating Temperature-20–60 °CBeyond this range, brake performance may degrade
Humidity Range30–80 % RHNon-condensing conditions
Ingress ProtectionIP20–IP40Higher IP for dusty or wet environmentsIEC 60529
Material GradeQ235–Q345Steel for structural partsGB/T 700
Surface TreatmentZinc–NickelCorrosion resistanceASTM B841
Weight0.15–0.45 kgPer brake mechanism

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Brake Lever/Pedal Part
    User interface for applying and releasing the braking force.
    Material: Zinc Alloy or Steel
  • Brake Pad/Shoe Part
    The friction element that contacts the wheel to stop rotation.
    Material: Rubber or Composite Friction Material
  • Engagement Pin or Cam Part
    In positive lock designs, this part physically interlocks with the wheel to prevent movement.
    Material: Steel
  • Spring Part
    Returns the lever to the disengaged (released) position and may assist in maintaining engagement pressure.
    Material: Spring Steel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: N/A (mechanical load only)
other spec: Max load capacity: 50-150 kg per caster, Wheel diameter: 25-100 mm
temperature: -20°C to 80°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Hardwood floors ✓ Carpeted surfaces ✓ Vinyl/Linoleum flooring
Unsuitable: Wet or chemically contaminated environments
Sizing Data Required
  • Floor load capacity (kg)
  • Wheel diameter (mm)
  • Caster mounting type (e.g., plate, stem)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Brake fade
Cause: Overheating due to excessive friction, leading to reduced friction coefficient and loss of braking effectiveness, often from prolonged heavy use or inadequate cooling.
Corrosion and pitting
Cause: Exposure to moisture, road salts, or corrosive chemicals, causing rust formation on brake rotors/drums and calipers, which compromises surface integrity and braking performance.
Maintenance Indicators
  • High-pitched squealing or grinding noises during braking, indicating worn brake pads or metal-on-metal contact
  • Vibration or pulsation felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel, suggesting warped rotors or uneven wear
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular brake fluid flushes every 2 years to prevent moisture absorption and maintain hydraulic system integrity, as contaminated fluid lowers boiling points and promotes corrosion
  • Use proper bedding-in procedures after pad/rotor replacement to evenly transfer friction material onto rotors, ensuring optimal contact and heat distribution for extended component life

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 15484:2008 (Disc brakes for road vehicles) ANSI/SAE J2521 (Brake system road test code) DIN 74000-1 (Brake linings for road vehicles)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Rotor thickness variation: +/-0.005mm
  • Caliper mounting hole alignment: +/-0.1mm
Quality Inspection
  • Hardness testing (Rockwell C scale)
  • Brake torque performance test

Manufacturers of Brake Mechanism

Manufacturer profiles associated with Brake Mechanism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a brake mechanism in a furniture caster?

The brake mechanism locks the caster wheel to prevent unwanted movement, ensuring the furniture remains stationary when needed, such as on slopes or during use.

What are the common types of brake mechanisms?

There are two main types: friction brakes, which press a pad against the wheel tread, and positive lock brakes, which engage a pin or cam into a notch on the wheel hub or fork.

What are the typical load and wheel diameter ranges for these mechanisms?

The maximum load per caster is typically 80–300 kg, and the wheel diameter ranges from 40–75 mm. These are reference ranges; confirm with the manufacturer for specific models.

What environmental conditions can the brake mechanism withstand?

It operates in temperatures from -20 to 60 °C and humidity from 30 to 80 % RH (non-condensing). Ingress protection ratings range from IP20 to IP40, depending on the model.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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