Foldable Vehicle Frame Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable motorized vehicles have complex structures that make folding and unfolding cumbersome and slow, requiring a novel frame structure that is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry while maintaining strength.
Innovation Solution
A foldable frame with a novel connecting mechanism and locking mechanism using a pulling arm, locking shafts, shaft sleeves, elastic elements, and locking pins, along with a fastening mechanism involving upper and lower levers and pivoting members, allows for easy folding and unfolding by engaging and disengaging gear teeth and using tension springs for automatic locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional foldable frame structure is used, then the vehicle can be folded to save storage space, but the folding and unfolding process becomes complicated and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple independent lever segments (first upper lever, first lower lever, second upper lever, second lower lever) that can fold independently. Each lever is connected through pivot joints, allowing the frame to be segmented into foldable sections that reduce overall volume when folded while maintaining quick deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic foldable configuration. The pivot joints and locking mechanisms enable the frame to dynamically change between unfolded (for use) and folded (for storage) states, optimizing both volume reduction and operational speed.
2Volume of moving object
If a complex foldable frame structure is used to achieve compact folding, then the vehicle becomes easier to store, but the structure becomes more complicated and folding operations become slower
Solution Approach 1:
The levers are arranged in a nested configuration where the first lower lever and second lower lever are positioned below their respective upper levers. When folded, the levers nest together to minimize the overall folded size, achieving compact storage without requiring overly complex structural arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple levers are combined through shared pivot joints and locking mechanisms. The first and second upper levers connect to the pivoting member, as do the lower levers, creating a integrated folding system that achieves compactness through coordinated movement rather than complex individual components.
3Loss of time
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the folding operation becomes faster, but the reliability of locking the frame in place decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through the interaction of elastic elements and locking pins. When the levers are folded into position, the elastic elements automatically engage the locking pins with the locking holes, providing self-locking functionality that ensures reliability without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking operation is replaced by an elastic-mechanical automatic locking system. The elastic elements provide the force necessary to engage and disengage the locking pins, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with a simpler elastic-driven automatic mechanism that is both fast and reliable.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple locking points are used to prevent accidental unfolding, then the frame stability improves, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with universal applicability across multiple locking points. The same basic structure of locking pins, locking holes, and elastic elements is repeated at different locations (first and second locking holes on each lever). This modular approach provides multi-point locking for enhanced stability while avoiding the need to design complex unique mechanisms for each locking point.
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 simplifies the folding and unfolding process, ensures the frame is compact and stable, and prevents accidental unfolding, making the vehicle easier to store and transport while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic elements, and has one end pressing against one end of the locking shaft and the other end pressing against a side surface of the corresponding shaft sleeve, respectively
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of elastic elements is sleeved on the corresponding locking shaft, and has one end pressing against one end of the locking shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a foldable motorized vehicle for locking a main frame body thereof comprises a pulling arm, locking shafts, shaft sleeves, elastic elements, and locking pins. The shaft sleeves are fixedly positioned in parallel below the main frame body and respectively sleeved on the locking shafts. Each of the locking pins is fixed on one end of a corresponding locking shaft and penetrates corresponding locking holes on the main frame body. Each elastic elements is sleeved on the corresponding locking shaft and pressing against the locking shaft and the corresponding shaft sleeve, respectively. The pulling arm comprises a pulling rod pivoted on one end of one locking shaft, and a connecting member with one end pivoted on one end of the other locking shaft, and the other end pivoted on the pulling rod.