Infant carrier and foldable backrest returning mechanism thereof

Solution Overview

Problem

Strollers often experience arching of the backrest plate during expansion due to unrestrained middle portions, which hinders the expanding process and operational convenience.

Innovation Solution

A foldable backrest returning mechanism featuring a backrest plate divided into foldable portions connected by an elastic returning device, such as a tension, torsional, or compression spring, that drives the plates to return to their original position, preventing arching and ensuring proper expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest plate is expanded downward during stroller deployment, then the stroller transitions from folded to expanded state, but the middle portion of the backrest plate arches due to unrestrained movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestroller expansion capabilityVSAvoidbackrest plate flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest plate is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, etc.) connected by foldable portions. This segmentation allows each plate to be independently restrained while enabling overall expansion through controlled folding at the connection points, preventing arching of individual plates during stroller deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable portions provide dynamic articulation between plates, allowing the backrest structure to transition smoothly from folded to expanded state. The foldable portions act as hinges that enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity, preventing unwanted arching during the expansion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the backrest plate is made foldable to prevent arching, then the arching problem is solved, but the device complexity increases due to additional foldable portions and elastic returning devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest plate flatnessVSAvoidbackrest structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest plate is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, etc.) connected by foldable portions. This segmentation allows each plate to be independently restrained while enabling overall expansion through controlled folding at the connection points, preventing arching of individual plates during stroller deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic returning device automatically returns the foldable portion to its original extended position after folding, without requiring manual intervention. The elastic force provides self-service functionality that simplifies operation while maintaining the foldable structure needed to prevent arching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If an elastic returning device is added to drive plates to approach each other, then the returning function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest returning convenienceVSAvoidreturning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic returning device automatically returns the foldable portion to its original extended position after folding, without requiring manual intervention. The elastic force provides self-service functionality that simplifies operation while maintaining the foldable structure needed to prevent arching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic returning device replaces complex mechanical returning mechanisms (such as motors, actuators, or manual cranks) with a simple elastic element. This substitution achieves the returning function with minimal complexity, using only the elastic potential energy stored during folding to drive the automatic return.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 mechanism effectively prevents arching of the backrest plate during expansion, ensuring the stroller functions properly and enhances operational convenience by maintaining a stable structure.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic returning device provides an elastic force to drive the first plate and the second plate to approach each other relative to the foldable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11259649B2Infant carrier and foldable backrest returning mechanism thereof

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A foldable backrest returning mechanism including a backrest plate and an elastic returning device is disclosed. The backrest plate has a foldable portion. The foldable portion divides the backrest plate at least into a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are foldable relative to the foldable portion. The elastic returning device is assembled between the first plate and the second plate, the elastic returning device provides an elastic force to drive the first plate and the second plate to approach each other relative to the foldable portion for making front surfaces of the first plate and the second plate have a returning tendency to approach toward each other. Accordingly, the present invention can prevent arching of the backrest plate at the foldable portion. Furthermore, the present invention provides an infant carrier.