Inclined Well Steering Column Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scooter-type machines for children have complex and aggressive mechanisms for steering column folding, making them difficult to manufacture, operate, and limiting configuration options.

Innovation Solution

A simplified mechanism using a cylindrical well with an inclined axis and angular locking means allows easy pivoting and locking of the steering column, enabling intuitive operation and multiple configuration options by allowing the steering column to be assembled or disassembled, transforming the device into a skateboard, wheeled horse, or mini-motorcycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism with two adjacent walls in a sector of a circle and a transverse pin is used, then the steering column can be locked in folding and unfolding positions, but the mechanism becomes complex to manufacture and has parts exposed to fouling and aggressive in case of fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex traditional locking mechanism (two adjacent walls with notches and transverse pin) and replaces it with a simplified well-receiving structure. The base engages in a well of generally cylindrical shape whose axis is inclined at 30°-60° toward the rear of the platform, eliminating the need for complex sector walls and multiple notches while maintaining reliable locking in folding and unfolding positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a pin engaging in notches to achieve locking, the patent inverts the approach by having the base itself engage in an inclined well. The inclination of the well axis creates the locking effect through geometry rather than through complex mechanical interlocking parts, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism with exposed parts is used, then the steering column can be locked, but the parts are exposed to fouling and risk being aggressive in case of fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidfouling and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes exposed locking parts (pins, notches, sector walls) that are susceptible to fouling and pose safety hazards. The locking function is achieved through the base engaging in the inclined well, which has fewer exposed parts and reduces the risk of injury during falls while maintaining reliable locking in both folding and unfolding positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the steering column can be locked in positions, but the operation is not very easy or intuitive for a user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoiduser operation intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies user operation by inverting the traditional approach: instead of requiring users to manipulate pins and notches, the base simply engages in the inclined well. The inclination of the well axis (30°-60°) provides natural guidance for the base, making the locking and unlocking operations more intuitive and easier for users while maintaining reliable locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the steering column can be locked, but the machine only allows a single configuration as a scooter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidconfiguration options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances versatility by designing the inclined well and base engagement mechanism to support multiple configurations. The simplified locking structure allows the steering column to be reliably locked not only in folding and unfolding positions for scooter mode but also enables other configurations such as skateboard mode, wheeled horse mode, or mini-motorcycle mode, making the machine multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3156311B1Wheeled vehicle, notably for children

Publication Date: 2018.01.17 ID DEV

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AI summary

This device is equipped with front and rear wheels and includes a platform, a folding/unfolding steering column, and a locking mechanism. The platform includes a cylindrical well (13) whose axis is inclined at an angle of 30° to 60° rearward. The steering column has a lower angled portion connected to a cylindrical base (22) designed to be engaged in the well (13) with pivoting capability, the axis of this base (22) forming an angle complementary to 180° with the angle formed by the axis of the well (13). The locking mechanism includes first means (16, 17; 27, 32) for angularly locking the base (22) in the well (13), in the unfolding position of the steering column, and second means (16, 18; 27, 32) for angularly locking the base (22) in the well (13), in the folding position of the steering column.