Lock Indicator Assembly for Reliable Stroller Engagement Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Strollers and similar child vehicles lack a reliable mechanism to indicate the locked state accurately, often showing a locked state when the mechanical lock is not engaged, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An indicator unit with a reference unit, first and second indicator elements, and display sections that provide clear visual feedback on the locked or unlocked state by positioning and alignment relative to an insertion and transverse axis, using distinct colors to signal secure or unsafe states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism with elastic elements is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the reliability of locked state indication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through indicator elements that provide real-time information about the locking state. The first indicator element shows whether the locking mechanism is engaged, while the second indicator element shows whether the transport unit is properly inserted, creating a reliable feedback loop that eliminates information loss about the actual locked status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indicator elements as intermediary components that mediate between the mechanical locking mechanism and the user. These indicators translate the mechanical state into visible information, serving as an intermediary that ensures accurate information transmission without loss.
2Measurement precision
If indicator elements are positioned along the insertion axis, then the insertion state is monitored, but the locked state indication may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the two indicator elements at different locations and orientations relative to the opening. The first indicator element is positioned to show insertion state, while the second indicator element is positioned to show locking state, utilizing spatial dimensionality to prevent obscuration and ensure both pieces of information are simultaneously visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different parts of the indicator system. The first indicator element is optimized for showing insertion state, while the second indicator element is optimized for showing locking state, with each element having its own optimal positioning and visibility characteristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an indicator unit (1), a locking system (10) with an indicator unit, a transport unit (20) with two locking systems, and the use of an indicator unit in a stroller, wherein the indicator unit is provided for indicating a locked state or at least an unlocked state, comprising a reference unit (2), a first indicator element (3), and a second indicator element (4), wherein the first indicator element and the second indicator element are guided in or on the reference unit along an insertion axis (E) or a transverse axis (Q), preferably orthogonal to the insertion axis, relative to the reference unit and relative to each other, and are secured against displacement transverse to the respective insertion or transverse axis, wherein a first display section (31) and a second display section (32) are formed on the first indicator element (3).wherein a third indicator section (43) is formed on the second indicator element, wherein the reference unit has an opening (22) through which one of the indicator sections is visible to indicate either the locked state or the unlocked state, wherein the locked state is indicated when the second indicator section (32) is visible through the opening (22).