Foldable Joint Mechanism for Compact Stroller Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable stroller designs face challenges in efficiently transitioning between unfolded and folded positions, with prior solutions often requiring complex mechanisms and limited in compactness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable joint comprising a base rod, first and second rotary rods, and a slider, where the driving part moves relative to guide portions on these rods to facilitate rotational folding and unfolding, allowing the rods to converge or diverge smoothly, with the slider's movement along the base rod enabling synchronized rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tooth member engagement mechanisms are used to connect the front wheel support and push handle, then the stroller frame can be folded and unfolded, but the structure becomes complex and the folding operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex tooth member engagement mechanism from the folding system and replaces it with a simplified pivot connection between the front wheel support and push handle. The folding function is achieved through the rotational movement of the front wheel support relative to the rear wheel support and push handle, eliminating the need for separate engagement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the folding function directly into the structural connection between components. The pivot connection serves dual purposes: it provides structural support and enables folding motion, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanisms. The track groove and locking pin integration further combines guidance and locking functions into unified structural elements.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components are used for folding mechanism, then the folding function is achieved, but the overall structure becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by allowing the front wheel support to rotate and nest against the rear wheel support and push handle during folding. The components are designed to overlap and occupy minimal space when folded, with the front wheel support effectively nesting within the space defined by the other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stroller frame into modular components (front wheel support, rear wheel support, push handle) connected by pivots and track grooves. This segmentation allows each component to move independently during folding while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling compact folding without requiring a completely integrated rigid structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a foldable joint having an unfolded position and a folded position, and a stroller having the foldable joint. The foldable joint comprises a base rod (1), a first rotary rod (2) and a second rotary rod (3), wherein one end portion of the base rod (1), one end portion of the first rotary rod (2) and one end portion of the second rotary rod (3) are rotationally connected to one another, a slider (4) is slidably arranged on the base rod (1), a driving part (41) is connected to the slider (4), a first guide portion (21) is arranged on the first rotary rod (2), a second guide portion (31) is arranged on the second rotary rod (3), and the driving part (41) is slidably fitted with the first guide portion (21) and the second guide portion (31) respectively. In the process of unfolding or folding the foldable joint, the driving part (41) moves relative to the first guide portion (21) and the second guide portion (31) simultaneously, and the driving part (41) moves along with the slider (4) relative to the base rod (1) such that the three components, i.e. the first rotary rod (2), the second rotary rod (3) and the base rod (1) are rotated relative to one another.