Pivoting Wheel Mount Locking for Stroller Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stroller apparatuses face difficulty in maneuverability, especially in limited spaces due to fixed rear wheels, which hinder their ability to turn effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled carrying apparatus with controllably lockable and unlockable wheel assemblies, allowing for adjustable wheel orientations via a handle frame that rotates between different inclinations, enabling flexible locking and unlocking of wheel mounts using a locking assembly and actuating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rear wheels are fixed with a fixed wheel axis oriented transversally, then the stroller frame structure is simple and stable, but the maneuverability and ability to turn around in limited space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed with a pivot connection allowing the wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame, changing the wheel axis orientation from fixed to dynamic. The locking assembly enables the wheel to switch between locked (fixed orientation) and unlocked (rotatable) states, providing dynamic adaptability for different maneuvering conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel axis orientation parameter is made changeable through the pivot connection and locking mechanism. When unlocked, the wheel axis can rotate to different orientations; when locked, it maintains a fixed orientation. This parameter change capability resolves the contradiction between structural stability and maneuverability.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel mount is always rotatable relative to the standing frame, then the maneuverability is maximized, but the structural stability and control over wheel orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly provides dynamic control over the wheel mount's rotatability. The operator can lock the wheel mount to maintain a specific orientation for stability, or unlock it to allow rotation for maneuverability. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction between maneuverability and orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating assembly automatically responds to handle frame rotation to lock or unlock the wheel mount, providing self-service functionality. When the handle frame rotates to a predetermined position, the actuating assembly automatically actuates the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations.
3Ease of operation
If a locking assembly with actuating mechanism is added to control wheel mount rotation, then the maneuverability and wheel orientation control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated with the wheel mount structure, and the actuating assembly is coupled to the handle frame, merging multiple functions into a coordinated system. The cable assembly connects the operating part to the wheel mount latch, combining the actuation mechanism with the locking function in a unified structure that minimizes additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating assembly automatically actuates the locking mechanism in response to handle frame rotation, providing self-service functionality that eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations. This automatic response reduces the operational steps and simplifies the user interaction despite the added mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If the cable assembly uses a flexible part that stretches or loosens during handle frame rotation, then the actuating reliability is improved, but the precision of force transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly incorporates a flexible part that can stretch or loosen during handle frame rotation. This flexibility allows the cable to accommodate the geometric changes and movement ranges of the handle frame without binding or disengaging, ensuring reliable actuation throughout the full range of motion. The flexible component absorbs dimensional variations and maintains continuous force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled carrying apparatus includes a handle frame rotatable relative to a standing frame between a first and a second position, a wheel mount pivotally connected with the standing frame, a wheel mount latch adapted to lock and unlock the wheel mount with respect to the standing frame, an actuating assembly coupling the wheel mount latch to the handle frame so that the wheel mount latch is movable to engage and disengage the wheel mount in response to a rotation of the handle frame, and a release mechanism including an operating part that is coupled to the actuating assembly via a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a flexible part configured to stretch or loosen as the handle frame rotates between the two positions, the operating part being operable to cause the wheel mount latch to disengage from the wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position.