Fold Latch Pin Nesting in Stroller Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable strollers often create pinch, shear, and entrapment issues due to exposed components in the fold latch and joint, posing risks to caregivers and children during folding and unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A fold joint design featuring a first latch part fixed to a frame element and a second latch part pivotable relative to it, with a latch shuttle and pin mechanism that moves between latched and unlatched positions, ensuring components are not exposed and reducing pinch points by aligning the latch pin along a fold portion of the track when the joint pivots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fold latch and joint structures are used, then the stroller can be folded and unfolded, but pinch points and entrapment risks are created due to exposed components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch components (latch shuttle, latch pin, track, and slot) are nested within the fold joint structure, with the latch shuttle positioned inside the fold joint housing and the latch pin moving within the track and slot. This nesting conceals the components during folding and unfolding operations, eliminating exposed pinch points while maintaining operational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If latch components are exposed to allow folding operation, then the fold latch can function, but safety risks increase due to potential contact with moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components (latch shuttle, latch pin, track, slot) that are spatially separated and coordinated to work together. The latch shuttle moves independently within the fold joint housing along a controlled path defined by the track and slot, allowing the mechanism to function while keeping components concealed and separated from potential contact zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A fold joint for a stroller has a first latch part fixed to a first frame element and a second latch part fixed to a second frame element. The latch parts are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis between an in-use orientation and a folded orientation. A latch shuttle is movable between a latched position locking the latch parts in the in-use orientation and an unlatched position unlocking the latch parts. A latch pin is carried by the latch shuttle. A track on the first latch part has a fold portion and a latch portion. A slot on the second latch part aligns with the latch portion in the in-use orientation. The latch pin is captured within the track and slot. When the latch shuttle is moved to the unlatched position, the latch pin is moved along the latch portion to the fold portion of the track. When the latch parts are pivoted toward the folded orientation, the latch pin moves along the fold portion of the track.