Infant Travel Seat Base Locking and Leveling Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant travel systems face difficulties in user-friendly engagement mechanisms between the infant travel seat and base, secure and balanced engagement, cluttered and interfering securing straps, and confusing leveling systems, as well as unstable carrying handles.
Innovation Solution
The infant travel system incorporates a base with a locking adjustment assembly, a self-contained restraint system with tethers and anchors, a liquid bubble level for improved leveling, and an adjustable handle locking mechanism with radial engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-contained restraint system is carried by the base assembly, then the base can be secured to a vehicle anchor, but the securing straps clutter the base assembly and interfere with the engagement between the infant travel seat and the base
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separate components: the base assembly with its restraint system, and the infant travel seat with its own engagement mechanism. The securing straps are positioned and configured to operate independently from the seat-base engagement mechanism, allowing both functions to occur without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing straps are positioned within recesses or channels on the base assembly, nesting them in a way that prevents them from protruding and interfering with the seat engagement mechanism, while still allowing them to be accessed and operated when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the leveling indicator is positioned on the seat, then the level can be read, but the seat must be mounted to the base for the user to read the level
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective surface or mirror is introduced as an intermediary element that allows the leveling indicator to be viewed from multiple angles. The indicator itself remains positioned on the seat for accuracy, but the reflective surface enables users to read the level without needing to approach from a specific angle or have the seat mounted to the base.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement mechanism between seat and base is positioned at the rear, then it is easy to access, but it does not provide optimal balance for front and rear end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is designed with an asymmetric configuration where the primary engagement point is positioned centrally on the base, while additional engagement points or structural reinforcements are strategically placed to provide optimal balance and stability during collisions, rather than simply positioning all components at the rear for ease of access.
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 system provides a user-friendly, secure, and balanced engagement between the seat and base, conceals securing straps to prevent interference, and enhances handle stability through radial locking, improving overall safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a locking element. The adjustment assembly is positioned at a selected one of the front and rear portions of the frame. The base further includes a tether having a free end which is releasably secured in the locking element of the adjustment assembly
Implementation Method 2
a liquid bubble level for improved leveling
Implementation Method 3
an adjustable handle locking mechanism having an improved engagement between the handle and seat
Data Source
AI summary
An infant travel system which include an infant travel seat that is adapted to be mounted to a stationary or mobile base. The base includes a restraint system for securing the base to a vehicle seat and a leveling system for positioning the base. The travel seat includes an adjustable carrying handle assembly having a locking mechanism adapted to engage the seat in a variety of positions. A multi-point locking system is used to secure the infant travel seat to the complimentary base.