Golf Cart Connecting-Rod Linkage for One-Step Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf carts are either large after folding, requiring multiple lock mechanisms, or they fold and unfold in multiple steps, making operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A golf cart design with a handlebar module, upper and lower frame modules, and rear wheel modules that can be folded and unfolded synchronously through a connecting-rod link mechanism, assisted by elastic members, allowing one-step folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a golf cart is designed to be compact after folding, then storage convenience is improved, but the number of lock mechanisms increases making operation complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple folding functions into a single integrated mechanism. The connecting rod links the handlebar module, upper frame module, and rear wheel modules so that one folding action simultaneously folds all components together, eliminating the need for multiple separate lock mechanisms while achieving compact storage size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod serves as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the folding motion from the handlebar module to the upper frame module and rear wheel modules. This mediator enables coordinated folding of multiple components through a single user action, simplifying operation while maintaining compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple lock mechanisms are added to achieve compact folding, then folding size is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking functions for the handlebar module, upper frame module, and rear wheel modules into a single integrated lock mechanism. The connecting rod structure ensures that when one component is locked, the others are simultaneously locked through mechanical linkage, reducing the total number of locks needed while achieving compact folding dimensions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If folding and unfolding are performed in multiple steps, then structural stability is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous folding action through the connecting rod mechanism. When the user initiates folding of the handlebar module, the connecting rod continuously transmits this motion to fold the upper frame module and rear wheel modules simultaneously in one continuous motion, eliminating multiple discrete steps and reducing operation time while maintaining structural stability throughout the process.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A golf cart includes a handlebar module (1), an upper frame module (2), a front wheel module (3), a lower frame module (4) and two rear wheel modules. The upper frame module (2) is mounted on the lower frame module (4). The front wheel module (3) is mounted at a front end of the lower frame module (4). The two rear wheel modules are mounted on left side and right side of a rear end of the lower frame module (4) respectively. The handlebar module (1) is mounted at an upper end of the upper frame module (2) through a lock mechanism. A connecting-rod link mechanism is arranged between the upper frame module (2), the lower frame module (4), the front wheel module (3) and the two rear wheel modules. A first connecting rod (5) is arranged between the handlebar module (1) and the lower frame module (4).