Foldable Stroller Integrated Locking Mechanism for Single-Step Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable stroller designs require multiple operations to fold, including removing the bassinet or seat and folding the chassis separately, which is inconvenient and difficult to manage, especially when also ensuring the safety of an infant.

Innovation Solution

A foldable stroller with a foldable chassis and bassinet or seat that can be folded simultaneously using a locking mechanism system, where the movement of the chassis from its unfolded to folded condition automatically releases the locking mechanism for the bassinet or seat, allowing it to fold under gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bassinet or seat is removed from the chassis before folding, then the folding process can be completed, but the user must transport and stow two separate items and perform multiple operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding processVSAvoidnumber of operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bassinet/seat and chassis into a single integrated folding unit. The locking mechanism couples the bassinet/seat to the chassis such that when the chassis is folded, the bassinet/seat is automatically locked in position, eliminating the need to remove or separately fold the bassinet/seat. This merging of functions allows both components to be folded together as one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the bassinet or seat is kept on the chassis during folding, then transport of two separate items is avoided, but the user must still perform two separate folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport convenienceVSAvoidnumber of folding operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the bassinet/seat when the chassis is folded, without requiring separate manual operations. The act of folding the chassis itself performs the function of locking the bassinet/seat, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for two separate folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is used to prevent movement of the bassinet or seat, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of bassinet or seatVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary element that couples the bassinet/seat to the chassis during folding. This intermediary component enables the automatic locking function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the locking mechanism is integrated into the existing folding geometry rather than being a separate complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design simplifies the folding process into a single, integrated operation, eliminating the need to remove the bassinet or seat and reducing the number of steps required, thereby enhancing user convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the foldable bassinet or seat is configured such that tilting the stroller in the predetermined tilting direction also causes the foldable bassinet or seat to move under gravity from its unfolded condition to its folded condition when the first locking mechanism is released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

tilting the foldable stroller in a predetermined tilting direction with the second locking mechanism released causes the first chassis subframe to move under gravity relative to the second chassis subframe so as to move the foldable chassis to its folded condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12337891B2Foldable stroller, foldable bassinet, foldable seat, stroller and stroller and luggage system

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 ROYALTY BUGABOO GMBH

AI summary

Provided is a foldable stroller, having a foldable chassis movable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition, a foldable bassinet or seat supported by the foldable chassis and movable between an unfolded condition and a folded condition, and which has a support surface on which a passenger may recline or sit when the foldable bassinet or seat is in its unfolded condition, a first locking mechanism which when engaged prevents the foldable bassinet or seat from moving from its unfolded condition to its folded condition and which when released permits the foldable bassinet or seat to move from its unfolded condition to its folded condition, wherein movement of the foldable chassis from its unfolded condition towards its folded condition releases the first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism which when engaged prevents the foldable chassis from moving from its unfolded condition to its folded condition and which when released permits the foldable chassis to move from its unfolded condition to its folded condition.