Pivoting Carrier Mount With Dual Sockets for Pushchair Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushchairs require additional connectors and spacers to convert from a single to a double carrier configuration, complicating the process and necessitating extra spacer pieces for height adjustment to accommodate an additional infant carrier.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable carrier mounting with sockets that adjust vertically to accommodate an additional infant carrier without needing extra spacer pieces, allowing for easy conversion between single and double modes and flexible height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connectors and spacers are attached to convert from single to double carrier configuration, then the pushchair can transport two infants, but the device complexity increases and requires extra spacer pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The socket member is designed with multiple sockets that can independently receive mounting struts from different carrier types (car seats, carrycots, etc.) and can be positioned at different heights. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors and spacers, allowing the pushchair to accommodate various carrier configurations without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated socket member. The socket member incorporates multiple sockets at different vertical positions, merging the functions of multiple connectors and spacers into one component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed for conversion between single and double carrier configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If spacers are used to raise the height of the existing carrier, then room is made for an additional carrier, but the quantity of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket member serves multiple functions: it provides mounting sockets at different heights, acts as a structural connector, and enables height adjustment without requiring separate spacer pieces. The integrated design means that height adjustment capability is built into the mounting structure itself rather than requiring additional spacer components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the height adjustment function with the mounting connector function. The socket member incorporates multiple sockets positioned at different vertical levels, combining what would traditionally be separate spacer pieces and connectors into a single integrated component, thereby reducing the total quantity of parts
3Ease of operation
If the socket member is made pivotable to adjust vertical elevation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket member is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the socket positions relative to the pushchair chassis. This dynamic capability enables easy height adjustment of carriers while the pivot mechanism is designed to be simple and self-contained, incorporating a locking mechanism that maintains stability when locked and allows easy pivoting when unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier mounting (3a, 3b) for supporting an infant carrier on a pushchair chassis, the mounting comprising a socket member having a first socket (17) and a second socket (19) therein, both sockets being configured to receive a correspondingly shaped mounting strut of an infant carrier. The socket member is pivotable between first and second positions such that when the carrier mounting is connected to a pushchair chassis, the first or second socket (17, 19) respectively is locatable in a receiving position in which a longitudinal axis of the respective socket bore is oriented with respect to the pushchair chassis at an angle suitable for receiving a mounting strut of an infant carrier. When the second socket (19) is in its receiving position, said second socket (19) supports the infant carrier at a higher point on the pushchair chassis than the first socket (17). The carrier mounting further comprises a locking mechanism (23) configured to releasably hold the socket member in each of the first and second positions, and to allow pivoting therebetween.