Lesjöfors AB has participated in an innovation project for wheel lockers, creating a new product that prevents truck wheels from falling off using a simple and reusable construction.
Lesjöfors Industrifjädrar in Nordmarkshyttan, Sweden, was contacted by the innovator Jonas Flädjemark from company Flädjemark Sports with a request for assistance in the process of developing a new wheel locker that holds wheel nuts in place. There was a demand for no special equipment to mount or demount the wheel lockers, as well as long lifespan for the product.
The innovator had a basic idea about the product, but it needed to be further developed. The staff at Nordmarkshyttan were involved and worked out a solution that improved the product in operation and manufacturing. The outcome was a wheel locker, Nutblock, in stainless steel.
“To let the manufacturer of your innovation be a part of the process from an early stage makes the whole processs very time and cost-effective. With many different perspectives on the product and process it leads to a better final outcome. I felt safe as an innovator, especially since I did not apply for the patent before we were sure of functionality and design of the wheel locker,” says Jonas Flädjemark.
A positive side effect of the work with Nutblock was that with a few adjustments, the manufacturing process can be adapted to any felly/wheel nut size. A distribution agreement has been made with Safety Seal Europe – a supplier to the major tyre and felly workshops in Europe.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
