Foldable Tricycle Frame with Nested Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable tricycle designs are inefficient, making them inconvenient for storage and shipping due to their size and complexity, which affects shipping costs and storage space.
Innovation Solution
A foldable tricycle design that includes a pair of rear wheels, a front wheel with a foldable seat and armrest, a parental handle, and a latching mechanism that allows the tricycle to be folded into a compact package, with dimensions not exceeding 150 cm, enabling easy storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a foldable tricycle design is implemented, then storage space and shipping costs are reduced, but the folding mechanism becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tricycle frame is divided into separable components including a front assembly (front wheel, handlebars, front bracket) and a rear assembly (rear wheels, rear bracket, seat). These segments can be independently folded and stored, reducing overall volume while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows the rear frame element to be nested within or alongside the front frame element when folded. The rear bracket and seat bracket pivot to align with the front bracket, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing folding mechanisms are used, then the tricycle can be folded, but the folding process is inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The folding operation merges multiple moving parts (rear frame element, rear bracket, seat bracket) into a single coordinated motion. All components pivot and align simultaneously through shared pivot points and connected linkages, allowing the entire folding process to be completed with one action rather than multiple separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism utilizes gravity and the inherent geometry of the pivoting components to automatically guide the folding process. Once initiated, the connected brackets and frame elements follow their predetermined pivot paths without requiring continuous manual intervention, making the folding operation self-completing and convenient.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tricycle is designed to fold into a compact package, then shipping container size is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame elements are designed with pre-configured pivot points and attachment locations that ensure proper alignment during folding. The brackets and frame segments incorporate predetermined geometric relationships that automatically maintain structural integrity when transitioning between folded and unfolded states, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism employs asymmetric bracket designs where the front bracket and rear bracket have different geometries optimized for their specific functions. This asymmetric configuration allows each component to fold along its optimal path while maintaining structural strength, with the seat bracket featuring a pin that engages slots at specific angles to ensure stable locked positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a foldable tricycle, operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an attendant pushing the tricycle. The tricycle comprising: a pair of rear wheels; a foldable seat comprising a chair and a back support, for accommodating said tricycle rider; a foldable arm rest, connected to said foldable seat; a parental handle, for steering said tricycle by said attendant pushing the tricycle; a main frame, configured to rotatably hold said rear support, to support said foldable seat, to rotatably support said rider handle, to rotatably support said fork; and a latching mechanism, capable of locking and unlocking the rotatable movement, of the rear support, in relations to the main frame.