Backrest Inclination Adjustment With Form-Fit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting the inclination of a stroller's backrest require two hands, making it impractical to attend to a child while adjusting, and often rely on unreliable clamping mechanisms and complex arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A device using a length-adjustable traction means with a form-fit locking mechanism, allowing automatic shortening of the strand during adjustment, enabling one-handed operation and eliminating the need for gears and self-locking mechanisms, with a winding body and spring pretension for stable locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gearwheel or thumbwheel mechanism is used for backrest adjustment, then the inclination can be adjusted, but two hands are required for operation which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex gearwheel or thumbwheel mechanism from the adjustment system and replaces it with a simplified rod assembly that can be unlocked and adjusted with a single hand. The adjustment device is removed as a separate component and its function is integrated into the rod assembly itself, allowing the user to simply pull and rotate the rod without requiring separate unlocking and adjusting actions.
2Reliability
If a clamping device with elastic band is used for locking, then the backrest position can be secured, but the clamping mechanism is unreliable over the long term and the elastic band extends outside the housing complicating the arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unreliable clamping device and elastic band from the system. Instead, the rod assembly itself provides both adjustment and locking functions through its design. The rod can be rotated to adjust the backrest inclination and remains in position without requiring a separate clamping mechanism, thereby eliminating the reliability issues and external extension of elastic bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod assembly is designed to be self-locking through its own structure. Once rotated to the desired position, the rod maintains its position without requiring external clamping or elastic bands. The system serves itself by integrating the locking function into the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate reliable locking components.
3Productivity
If both unlocking and adjusting actions must take place simultaneously, then the mechanism can be compact, but two hands are always required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unlocking and adjusting functions into a single integrated action. The rod assembly is designed so that pulling and rotating the rod simultaneously performs both functions: unlocking the backrest from its fixed position and allowing adjustment to the desired inclination. This combined action requires only one hand and can be performed quickly, improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and reliable adjustment of the backrest inclination with minimal hand movements, ensuring a stable locked position without gradual slippage, allowing single-direction force transmission and simplifying the overall design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which generates an elastic force in a first operational state in which a setting of the height, inclination, or distance parameter is possible
Implementation Method 2
locking of a set length of the adjustable strand is provided, which is brought about by elements that interlock in a form-fit manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards a device for adjusting the height or the distance or the inclination of an object in relation to a structure to which the object is displaceably or pivotably connected, in particular for adjusting the inclination of a backrest of a pushchair in relation to the chassis thereof, comprising a pulling means which has at least one length-adjustable strand which is connected in the region of one of its ends to the structure and in the region of its other end to the object.