Folding Golf Cart Single-Action Manipulator Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding golf carts are inconvenient to extend or fold due to the need for separate adjustments of multiple parts, which complicates storage and transportation, especially when accommodating different-sized golf bags.

Innovation Solution

A folding golf cart design featuring a frame, pillar, and handle connected through a manipulator and gear joint sockets, allowing for easy locking and unlocking of the frame and handle via a clutch gear mechanism, enabling the cart to be folded or extended with a single operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple parts (handle, frame, pillar) are fastened with screws and adjusted by separate adjusting screws, then the golf cart structure is stable and reliable, but the operation complexity increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfolding convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate adjusting screws and fastening mechanisms into a single integrated manipulator that controls all folding operations simultaneously. The manipulator engages with gear joint sockets connected to the handle, frame, and pillar, allowing one operator to fold or extend the entire golf cart structure by operating only one component, thus resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator serves multiple functions: it simultaneously adjusts the handle angle, frame extension, and pillar positioning through its engagement with the gear joint sockets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjusting mechanisms for each component, maintaining structural stability while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is designed to accommodate different sizes of golf bags with large spacing between brackets, then the cart has high adaptability, but the storage and transportation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegolf bag size accommodationVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a foldable frame structure with adjustable spacing between brackets. The frame can be extended to accommodate larger golf bags or folded to reduce overall dimensions for compact storage and transportation. This dynamic configuration allows the golf cart to adapt to different golf bag sizes while minimizing space requirements when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the golf cart is designed as a folding structure with multiple movable parts, then the storage and transportation convenience improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding convenienceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces mechanism complexity by merging multiple separate adjusting screws and fastening mechanisms into a single integrated manipulator system. This manipulator simultaneously controls the folding of the handle, frame, and pillar through engagement with gear joint sockets, maintaining folding convenience while significantly simplifying the overall device structure compared to traditional multi-adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy extension and folding of the golf cart, reducing its size, saving space, and simplifying storage and transportation by allowing the entire cart to be folded or extended in a single action.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring is provided between the clutch gear and gear joint socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The thrust spring is externally equipped with a limiting sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2662262B1Folding golf cart
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 WANG JONATHAN HWAN
  • EP2662262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2662262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2662262B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A cart frame can be locked and unlocked by operating a manipulator (31). The golf cart is folded in 3 sections in a Z shape through only one action. The rear wheel (20) is equipped with a foot activated brake system (2)