Child Carrier Locking Device With Self-Resetting Seat Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child carrier locking devices require complex and inconvenient operations for detachment, affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a retaining member and elastic members that allow for automatic unlocking and detachment without direct manual operation, featuring a compact design with perpendicular moving directions for the unlock button and retaining member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional locking device is used where the unlock button must be manually pressed to detach the seat, then the locking function is reliable, but the detachment operation becomes complicated and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment operationVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device automatically returns the unlock button to its initial position after detachment, eliminating the need for manual operation to reset the button. The spring mechanism self-activates upon detachment to reset the button, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The unlock button is pre-positioned in an initial state that automatically engages with the locking member. When detachment occurs, the button is already configured to return to its locked position, preparing the system in advance for the next locking operation without requiring manual reset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the unlock button is kept pressed to maintain unlocked state, then the detachment is easy, but the user must continuously press the button which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment operationVSAvoidcontinuous button pressing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism automatically maintains the unlock button in its initial position and self-activates to reset the button after detachment, eliminating the need for continuous or repeated manual pressing. The system manages its own state transitions without ongoing user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The unlock button operates in periodic cycles: it remains in the initial engaged position during normal operation, then automatically returns to that position after each detachment event. This rhythmic, self-managed operation eliminates continuous button pressing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If the locking device requires manual resetting of the unlock button after detachment, then the structure can be simple, but the operation becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device structureVSAvoidbutton reset operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism automatically resets the unlock button to its initial position upon detachment, making the resetting function self-service rather than requiring manual user action. This maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the operational burden of manual reset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the unlock button moving direction is parallel to the retaining member, then the operation is intuitive, but the structure becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton operationVSAvoidlocking device volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The unlock button moves perpendicular to the retaining member rather than parallel, utilizing a different spatial dimension for its motion. This orthogonal arrangement allows both components to coexist in a more compact configuration while maintaining intuitive operation through clear directional movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates easy and efficient detachment of the seat from the frame by allowing the unlock button to return to the initial position automatically, enhancing user experience and structural stability.

Implementation Method 1

the first elastic member being configured to keep the locking member in a locked state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second elastic member being configured to keep the retaining member at an engaging position where the retaining member engages with the unlock button

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4429933B1Locking device, locking structure, child carrier and seat of child carrier
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP4429933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4429933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4429933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a locking device, a locking structure, a child carrier, and a seat of a child carrier. The locking device includes: a housing, an unlock button, a locking member, a first elastic member, a retaining member and a second elastic member. The locking member is configured to be locked with and fitted to a locking hole in a connector. The first elastic member is configured to keep the locking member in a locked state. The unlock button drives the locking member to an unlocked state when pressed. The retaining member is capable of engaging with the unlock button to keep the unlock button at a pressing position where the locking member is unlocked, and the second elastic member is configured to keep the retaining member at an engaging position where the retaining member engages with the unlock button.