Folding Scooter Frame Linkage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding electric scooters have complex and time-consuming folding and unfolding mechanisms, making them inconvenient for users, especially those with mobility difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A folding scooter frame design featuring a linkage rod system that connects the front and rear frames, allowing the linkage rod to swing and drive a slider to slide, simplifying the folding and unfolding process through a pivotally connected seat support frame, along with a locking mechanism for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual folding mechanism with multiple steps is used, then the scooter can be folded, but the folding operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding operation simplicityVSAvoidfolding time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple folding operations into a single action by linking the front frame folding with the seat support frame folding through a linkage rod. When the front frame is folded, the linkage rod automatically drives the seat support frame to fold simultaneously, reducing the number of manual operations required and decreasing total folding time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage rod acts as an intermediary mechanism between the front frame and the seat support frame. It translates the motion of folding the front frame into corresponding motion of the seat support frame, automating the coordination between different folding components and eliminating the need for separate manual folding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple mechanisms are used for folding, then the scooter can be folded, but the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding operation simplicityVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the folding mechanisms of the front frame and seat support frame into a single integrated system through the linkage rod. This reduces the number of independent mechanisms required and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the folding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage rod serves multiple functions: it connects the front frame to the seat support frame, transmits folding motion, and coordinates the folding sequence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each folding operation, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

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

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 design significantly reduces the complexity and time required for folding and unfolding, enhancing convenience and usability for all users, including those with mobility issues.

Implementation Method 1

a linkage rod, a front end of the linkage rod is pivotally connected with the front frame, and a rear end of the linkage rod is pivotally connected with a slider

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

the slider is slidably disposed on the rear frame, and the linkage rod is urged to swing as the front frame is folded, thereby driving the slider to slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlider mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

the locking member is provided with a first locking position and a second locking position. Moreover, the locking bar is disposed at the rear frame. When folding, the locking bar is engaged with the first locking position of the locking member, alternatively when unfolding, the locking bar is engaged with the second locking position of the locking member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3489121B1Folding vehicle frame
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 GUANGDONG PRESTIGE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
  • EP3489121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3489121B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3489121B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a folding vehicle frame(100), comprising a front vehicle frame(1), a rear vehicle frame(2), a linkage rod(3) and a seat support frame(4), wherein the front vehicle frame(1) and the rear vehicle frame(2) are pivotally connected, a front end of the linkage rod(3) is connected with the front vehicle frame(1), a rear end of the linkage rod(3) is pivotally connected with a sliding block(5), a support rod of the seat support frame(4) is pivotally connected with the sliding block(5), the sliding block(5) is slidably provided on the rear vehicle frame(2), the linkage rod(3) is able to swing as the front vehicle frame(1) collapses and thus drives the sliding block(5) to slide so as to make the sliding block(5) drive the seat support frame(4) so that same collapses. The folding vehicle frame (100) has the advantages of quick and convenient collapsing.