Foldable Tricycle Quick Release Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tricycles lack a safe and efficient quick release mechanism for transitioning accessories between use and storage positions, making storage and transportation cumbersome due to enlarged volumetric envelope.
Innovation Solution
A tricycle design featuring a release assembly with a plate having use and storage notches, an engagement lever, and a biasing member, allowing the rear frame to pivot between use and storage positions, along with quick release mechanisms for the canopy, restraint hoop, and footrest, reducing the tricycle's dimensions for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tricycle is designed with folding capability for storage, then the storage convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rear frame assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, pivoting between an extended use position and a folded storage position. The quick release mechanism enables this dynamic transformation through simple user action, allowing the tricycle to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being used or stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The tricycle is divided into distinct functional modules: a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly that can be independently positioned. The rear frame assembly can be separated or folded relative to the front frame assembly through the quick release mechanism, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rear frame assembly is made rigid for structural stability, then the stability is improved, but the volumetric envelope increases making storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rear frame assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic one that can pivot and fold. When in the extended position, it provides structural stability for use; when folded, it reduces the volumetric envelope for storage, effectively adapting its physical configuration to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear frame assembly can be folded or nested relative to the front frame assembly, allowing the overall structure to compact into a smaller volume for storage while maintaining its full extended configuration for use, similar to how nested dolls store within each other.
3Reliability
If accessories like canopy and restraint hoop are permanently attached for safety, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability decreases when storage space is needed
Solution Approach 1:
Accessories such as the canopy and restraint hoop are designed as separable components that can be attached to or removed from the main frame assembly. This segmentation allows them to be securely mounted when needed for safety and easily detached or folded when storage adaptability is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessories incorporate dynamic attachment mechanisms that allow them to transition between attached and detached states. The quick release mechanisms enable these accessories to be securely fixed during use for safety and easily reconfigured or removed when storage space is needed, providing adaptability without compromising reliability during operation.
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
Enables safe and efficient transition of accessories, reducing the tricycle's dimensions for storage and transportation, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member connected to the engagement lever to bias the engagement lever toward the plate
Implementation Method 2
a pivot shaft connecting the first and second rear frame support members and extending through the main frame tube
Data Source
AI summary
A tricycle is provided having a front frame assembly, a rear frame assembly pivotally connected to the front frame assembly, and a release assembly connected to both the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly to secure the rear frame assembly to the front frame assembly in a use position and alternately in a storage position. The release assembly is moveable to allow for transitioning the rear frame assembly to the storage position from the use position. A foot rest is connected to the tricycle and is also moveable between a use position and a storage position. The tricycle also has a restraint hoop and a canopy, and quick release mechanisms to removably secure the restraint hoop and the canopy to the tricycle.