Force Finger Stroller Wheel Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Strollers often generate noise due to collisions between the pivot pin and locking plate in the wheel assembly, leading to clacking sounds when moving over different surfaces, which can disturb children being transported.
Innovation Solution
A force finger is integrated into the wheel assembly, featuring a cylindrical body with internal fingers that frictionally engage the pivot pin, biasing it against the locking plate to reduce noise frequency and intensity, and also stabilizes the wheel by providing resistance against wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pivot pin and locking plate are allowed to collide freely, then the wheel assembly structure is simple, but noise is generated during stroller movement
Solution Approach 1:
The force finger acts as an intermediary component between the pivot pin and locking plate. It frictionally engages the pivot pin and biases it against the locking plate, preventing direct collisions while maintaining the simple overall structure of the wheel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The force finger provides beforehand cushioning by continuously biasing the pivot pin against the locking plate through frictional engagement. This prevents harmful collisions before they can occur, eliminating noise while preserving structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pivot pin is constrained to reduce noise, then noise frequency and intensity decrease, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The force finger serves as a mediating element that constrains the pivot pin through frictional engagement. This intermediary approach reduces noise frequency and intensity without requiring complex constraint mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force finger changes the friction parameter between the pivot pin and locking plate by applying continuous biasing force. This parameter change effectively reduces noise collisions without adding structural complexity, as it utilizes existing components with modified interaction characteristics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the force finger frictionally engages the pivot pin, then noise is reduced, but frictional resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force finger applies partial frictional engagement to the pivot pin, providing just enough biasing force to prevent noise-causing collisions. This partial action approach reduces noise while minimizing unnecessary frictional resistance that would impede wheel movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The force finger optimizes the friction parameter by applying controlled biasing force through frictional engagement. This parameter adjustment is sufficient to eliminate noise collisions while maintaining low enough friction to allow smooth wheel 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
The force finger significantly reduces noise generation and wheel wobbling, enhancing the quiet operation and stability of the stroller during travel.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of internal fingers of the force finger may frictionally engage the upper end of the pivot pin
Data Source
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AI summary
A child stroller comprises a wheel assembly that includes a wheel disposed on a wheel mount, a wheel bushing including a bore, a pivot pin including an upper end, the pivot pin extending from an upper portion of the wheel mount and into the bore of the wheel bushing, and a force finger disposed in an upper end of the bore and at least partially surrounding and frictionally engaging the upper end of the pivot pin.