Folding Joint With Variable Locking Depth For Stroller Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional child strollers face challenges in operation convenience during folding and unfolding, particularly in transitioning between locked states, which can lead to complex and cumbersome state changes.
Innovation Solution
A folding joint with a locking member that has multiple engagement positions and an elastic member, allowing for relative rotation between holder bodies, simplifies state transitions by enabling weaker engagement in one position, allowing torque-induced slipping without unlocking, and includes a lock releasing mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is provided between the handle frame and backrest frame to lock them in folded or unfolded states, then the stability of the stroller frame is improved, but the operation convenience deteriorates due to complex state transition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to dynamically adjust its engagement depth with the second engaging portion based on the operational state. In the unfolded state, it engages deeply for stable locking, while in the folded state, it engages shallowly to allow easy torque-induced slipping, enabling simple state transitions without complex unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameter (axial engaging depth) of the locking mechanism. By having the locking member engage at different depths with the second engaging portion depending on the holder body positions, it achieves both stable locking when needed and easy release when folding, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
2Reliability
If the locking member is designed to engage with both first and second engaging portions simultaneously in locked states, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple engagement positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent engaging portions (first and second) that can engage separately or simultaneously. This segmentation allows the locking member to achieve reliable dual engagement when needed while maintaining the simplicity of a single locking component without complex additional mechanisms
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 solution enhances operation convenience by allowing direct torque-induced state changes without unlocking, simplifying the folding and unfolding process, and ensures stable engagement in both unfolded and folded states, preventing accidental folding.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed in the first accommodating cavity, and configured to apply an axial force to the locking member
Implementation Method 2
the locking member is driven by the elastic member to partially protrude into the second accommodating cavity to be simultaneously engaged with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion
Implementation Method 3
the second depth may be configured for, when a torque applied to the second holder body is greater than a predetermined value, allowing the second engaging portion to slip relative to the locking member
Data Source
AI summary
A folding joint and a child carrier are provided. The folding joint includes a first holder body having a first accommodating cavity and a first engaging portion; a second holder body pivotally connected to the first holder body, and having a second accommodating cavity and a second engaging portion; a locking member having an unlocking position, and first and second locking positions; and an elastic member for applying a force to the locking member. When the locking member is in the first locking position or the second locking position, it is simultaneously engaged with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. An axial engaging depth of the locking member engaging with the second engaging portion is a first depth (L1) in the first locking position, which is greater than that in the second locking position.