It is usually recommended to install the universal wheel at the back (near the armrest), but the specific installation location needs to be flexibly selected according to the usage scenario
I. Conventional recommended installation solution
Rear universal wheel (near the armrest)
Stability priority : Suitable for scenes that require linear movement or heavy load (such as flatbed carts, logistics equipment), the rear universal wheel with the front fixed wheel can reduce shaking and improve the stability of long-distance pushing.
Steering logic : When the rear wheel controls the direction, the thrust is naturally transmitted through the armrest, the torque required for turning is smaller, and the operation is more labor-saving.
Brake design : If equipped with a brake device, the rear universal wheel can more effectively control the inertia of the moving object and improve safety.
Front universal wheel
Flexibility priority : Suitable for narrow spaces that require frequent steering (such as supermarket shopping carts, suitcases), the front design can quickly respond to changes in direction.
Special scenarios: Since baby strollers are mainly pushed forward, front universal wheels can simplify steering operations, but the maneuverability may be slightly worse due to the thrust.
2. Selection basis and industry practice
Trolleys: Industrial carts mostly adopt the "front fixed wheel + rear universal wheel" design (accounting for more than 80%), while light carts such as suitcases often use "front universal wheels + rear fixed wheels".
Furniture: Office chairs and other products usually have four universal wheels to maximize flexibility.
User feedback: Some manufacturers have reported that customers explicitly require front universal wheels because they are more ergonomic when turning.
3. Material and configuration recommendations
Heavy equipment: Choose iron core/aluminum core universal wheels and place them in the rear, with brake devices.
Light tools: Polyurethane wheels can be used in the front to reduce steering resistance.
Summary: The rear solution is a general recommendation, but it needs to be adjusted according to specific uses (such as trolley type and load-bearing requirements). When designing, you can refer to mature industry cases (such as rear-mounted logistics vehicles and front-mounted luggage compartments).
