Semi-Flexible Linkage Towing System with Damping for Carriage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing devices for carriages lack flexibility and damping, leading to uncomfortable and unsafe rides for passengers due to rigid connections and inadequate impact absorption, especially during accelerations and sharp turns, and are not suitable for various activities like jogging or skiing.
Innovation Solution
A semi-flexible linkage towing system with a harness and damping devices that allows for freedom of movement, reduces impact transfer between the user and the carriage, and includes a sturdy, lightweight carriage design with adjustable components for comfort and stability during various activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used to connect the carriage to the user, then the distance between the user and carriage is maintained, but steering and negotiating sharp hills and corners becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a semi-rigid linkage system that allows dynamic adjustment between rigidity and flexibility. The linkage includes rigid members for maintaining distance while incorporating flexible joints and damping mechanisms that enable adaptive movement during steering and terrain negotiation, resolving the contradiction between stable distance maintenance and operational ease.
2Device complexity
If a rigid carriage system is used with minimal impact absorption, then the structure is simple, but the natural motion of running or walking is imparted upon the carriage creating an uncomfortable and unsafe ride
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping mechanisms and shock-absorbing elements in advance within the linkage system. These components are designed to preemptively absorb impacts from running or walking motions before they are transmitted to the carriage, reducing harmful vibrations and shocks while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Device complexity
If forces applied to the carriage through the ground are translated to the user, then the connection is direct and simple, but the experience for both user and passenger becomes uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces damping mechanisms and shock-absorbing elements as intermediary components between the carriage and the user. These intermediaries filter and attenuate ground forces before they reach the user, breaking the direct force transmission path while maintaining the functional connection, thus improving comfort without significantly complicating the system.
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
The solution provides a comfortable and stable ride for passengers, allowing users to engage in diverse activities while towing loads, including children, with improved maneuverability and reduced impact absorption, enhancing user and passenger safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least two opposing pairs of damping devices are positioned adjacent the frame assembly and each of the at least two wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage and incorporated harness and towing assembly which allows for significant freedom of movement for a user and a safe and comfortable ride for a passenger is disclosed. The towing assembly comprises a flexible, semi-resilient member surrounded by a plurality of rigid linkages, a fixed towing member and a harness coupling member. The carriage is comprised of at least a single, two-wheel axis and at least one motion damping device. One object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus that allows a user to comfortably tow a child, toddler or infant while participating in a variety of exercise or general travel-related activities.