Power Folding Stroller with Multi-Motor Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baby strollers do not allow for easy and compact movement between their collapsed and operative positions, making them cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
The stroller design incorporates moveable wheel support structures and a drive mechanism that allows for easy transition between collapsed and open positions, utilizing a linkage system and control switch for actuation, enabling efficient folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a stroller has fixedly secured parts, then structural stability is maintained, but the stroller cannot fold for compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller is divided into multiple separable components including a seat assembly, handlebar assembly, and wheel assemblies that can be independently folded and reconfigured. This segmentation allows each part to be compacted separately while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller incorporates movable connections between components rather than fixed joints. The seat assembly can pivot relative to the handlebar, and wheel assemblies can be independently folded, creating a dynamic structure that transitions between extended and compact states while maintaining stability in each configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If a stroller has movable parts for folding, then compactness is achieved, but the stroller becomes cumbersome and difficult to move between positions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding operations are merged into a single coordinated motion. When the seat assembly is folded, it automatically triggers the folding of handlebar components and wheel assemblies through mechanical linkages, allowing the entire stroller to compact in one smooth action rather than requiring separate manual operations for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller incorporates spring-loaded mechanisms and gravity-assisted folding that automatically guide components into their compact positions. Once initiated, the folding process is self-propelled by stored elastic energy and gravitational force, reducing the physical effort required by the user and eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation of each movable joint.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple wheel support structures are made movable, then compactness and ease of folding are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially actuating different wheel support structures. The same motor and transmission system that folds the front wheel assembly can also fold the rear wheel assembly and adjust the seat position, reducing the number of separate actuators needed and simplifying the overall control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding process is divided into discrete sequential stages where the drive mechanism activates different components in a predetermined order. First the front wheels are folded, then the rear wheels, and finally the seat assembly is compacted. This periodic activation pattern allows a single motor to control complex multi-component folding without requiring simultaneous coordination of all parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller includes: a first stroller component and a second stroller component. At least one of the first and second stroller components is movable from a first position to a second position. The stroller also includes: a drive mechanism operatively engaged with the at least one of the first and second stroller components to move the at least one of the first and second stroller components from its first position to its second position; and a disengaging mechanism for disengaging the operative engagement between the drive mechanism and the at least one of the first and second stroller components to facilitate manual movement of the at least one of the first and second stroller components.