Foldable Stroller U-Shaped Support and Damping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional strollers lack a compact and efficient folding mechanism that allows for easy carrying and storage, and their seat assemblies are often rigidly attached, making them difficult to change or store.

Innovation Solution

A foldable stroller design featuring a U-shaped support member with damping means, pivotally connected to a base frame and push bars, allowing for a compact configuration with a locking mechanism and detachable seat assembly that can be easily changed and stored, incorporating a flexible seat with adjustable recline functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the stroller is designed with a rigid frame structure to ensure stability and support, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to fold compactly for carrying and storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfolded volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple segments including push bar members with upper and lower portions, support members with U-shaped configurations, and base frame sections that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rigid frame to be folded into a compact configuration while maintaining structural integrity during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates dynamic elements such as pivoting push bar members, hinged support members, and rotating wheel assemblies that transition between fixed rigid positions during use and folded positions for storage. The locking mechanism enables the dynamic structure to maintain rigid positions when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the seat assembly is rigidly attached to the frame to ensure stability during use, then the stability is improved, but the ease of removing and replacing the seat deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat stabilityVSAvoidseat removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly is attached to the frame through a dynamic attachment mechanism that provides stable connection during use but allows easy release when needed. The attachment system transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling both stability and ease of replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the push bars are positioned far from the base frame to provide leverage for pushing, then the pushing efficiency is improved, but the compactness in folded position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepushing efficiencyVSAvoidfolded compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The push bar assembly is segmented into upper and lower portions that can pivot independently. The lower push bar member remains close to the base frame for compact folding, while the upper portion extends to provide leverage. The pivot connection between segments allows the structure to achieve both compact folded size and extended pushing leverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push bar members utilize angular positioning and multi-axis pivoting to achieve leverage without increasing linear distance from the base frame. By operating in multiple dimensions through hinged connections, the system provides pushing efficiency while maintaining compact folded configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the stroller includes damping means to reduce vibration and improve comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reductionVSAvoiddamping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping function is merged with existing structural components such as the support members and push bar connections. The damping means are integrated into the frame structure rather than being separate additions, reducing overall system complexity while providing vibration reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping characteristics are achieved by selecting materials and geometric configurations with appropriate damping properties. By adjusting parameters such as material selection, cross-sectional geometry, and connection stiffness, the system provides vibration reduction through inherent material and structural properties rather than complex active damping systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables a compact, safe, and versatile stroller that can be easily folded and carried, with a flexible seat assembly that can be quickly changed, addressing the need for a product that is both practical for daily use and adaptable for different situations.

Implementation Method 1

the damping means comprises at least one rubber member arranged between the support member and the base frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The resilient rubber tube provided on the support member then provides the damping to the push bar members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the damping means comprise a spring member, wherein the spring member is preferably arranged between the support member and the upper half of the base frame for increasing the working distance of the spring member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2143615B1Foldable stroller
Publication Date: 2013.08.14 WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO LTD
  • EP2143615B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2143615B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2143615B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8C

AI summary

A stroller, movable between an open position wherein the stroller can be locked and a folded position, comprising front wheels and rear wheels, a generally planar base frame (2) extending substantially between said front and rear wheels, two push bars (3) pivotally connected to the base frame by a front hinge (4) substantially located near the front wheels, which push bars extend substantially upwards and backwards in the open position, wherein the stroller further comprises a support member (9) extending substantially upwardly in the open position between an intermediate location of the base frame and an intermediate location of the push bars and pivotally connected therewith at both ends, and wherein the support member is substantially U-shaped and includes a base and two legs connected to two end of the base, wherein the base of the U-shape is pivotally connected to the base frame and the extremities of the respective legs of the U-shape are pivotally connected to the push bars.