Foldable Child Tricycle Four-Bar Linkage Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child's tricycles are inconvenient to transport due to their large volume and fixed structure, which makes them costly and difficult to carry or store.
Innovation Solution
A foldable child's tricycle design utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism with restricting structures and a locking device allows the body frame to fold compactly, enabling the handlebar to be folded backward and the components to stack vertically, reducing the overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame body is fixed together with the frame head tube, then the structural stability is improved, but the volume reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed frame structure into a dynamic, movable structure. The frame body is divided into multiple segments (first frame body, second frame body, third frame body) that can rotate relative to each other around connection axes. This allows the structure to transition between an unfolded riding state with stable geometry and a folded state with reduced volume, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and volume reduction capability.
2Ease of operation
If the bracket is fixed to the frame body, then the riding function is improved, but the portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frame into modular components (first frame body, second frame body, third frame body, rear bracket) that can be independently positioned and connected. The rear bracket is separably connected to the third frame body, allowing it to remain fixed during riding for stability while enabling the entire structure to be folded for portability. This modular segmentation resolves the contradiction between riding function and portability.
3Ease of operation
If the handlebar is fixed on the front fork, then the steering control is improved, but the folding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handlebar assembly movable relative to the first frame body. The handlebar can rotate around a connection axis between the handlebar and the first frame body, enabling it to fold backward during the folding process. This dynamic capability allows the steering control function to be maintained during riding while enabling the overall structure to achieve compact folding for portability.
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 foldable design significantly reduces the tricycle's volume, making it easier to transport and store while maintaining functionality for riding.
Implementation Method 1
a restricting elastic element arranged between the restricting element and an inner tube wall of the push rod assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable child's tricycle and a folding method thereof are provided, wherein the foldable child's tricycle comprises a body frame and a handlebar arranged in the front of the body frame; wherein the body frame includes a head tube, an upper connecting rod assembly, a lower connecting rod assembly, a push rod assembly, and a supporting rod; the upper connecting rod assembly, the head tube, the lower connecting rod assembly, and the supporting rod form a four-bar linkage; the push rod assembly is rotatably connected to the upper connecting rod assembly, and is fixed to or separated from the lower connecting rod assembly via a locking device; when folding, firstly unlocking the locking device; then pulling the push rod assembly upwardly such that the push rod assembly is separated from the lower connecting rod assembly; finally turning over the push rod assembly forwardly, and the folding volume thereof is small.


