Pram Frame Push Bar Folding Mechanism for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pram frames are bulky, heavy, and require significant storage space when folded, with a fixed seat height that is unfavorable for transporting children, as they are exposed to exhaust fumes and the seat height is predetermined by the suitcase volume.

Innovation Solution

A pram frame design where the push rod is pivotally mounted on the rear of the base element, allowing it to be folded horizontally and stowed under the base element, with a height-adjustable carrier that can be lowered, enabling the use of universal inserts such as baby seats and providing a compact storage solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the push bar is fixed and bulky to ensure stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The push bar is divided into a fixed portion attached to the base element and a movable portion that can pivot and be folded. This segmentation allows the push bar to maintain structural stability when extended while being foldable into a compact configuration for storage, resolving the contradiction between stability and storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The push bar transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure that can pivot and fold. The movable portion can be positioned in different configurations (extended for use, folded for storage), allowing the system to adapt between requiring structural stability and requiring compact storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the seat height is fixed and predetermined by suitcase volume, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidseat height adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier support structure includes an adjustable mechanism that allows the seat height to be changed. Instead of a fixed height predetermined by suitcase volume, the support can be positioned at multiple height levels, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural base of the pram and the mounting structure for the adjustable carrier support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling height adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the carrier is fixed at high position, then the child protection from exhaust fumes is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust fume exposureVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier support structure provides adjustable height positioning, allowing the carrier to be raised to a higher position to protect children from exhaust fumes. The adjustment mechanism enables this protective function without requiring a completely complex fixed high-position structure, as the same adjustable support can accommodate different height requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the push bar is made telescopic and foldable, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space requirementVSAvoidpush bar operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The push bar is segmented into fixed and movable portions with a pivot connection. This segmentation allows the push bar to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining a simple, intuitive operation during use. The pivot point provides natural leverage for folding and unfolding, keeping the operation easy despite the telescopic and foldable capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2371670B1Carriage frame for children's or dolls' buggies
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 CURT WUERSTL VERMOEGENSVERWALTUNGS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2371670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2371670B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2371670B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a carriage frame for a child's or doll's pram with at least two rear wheels (1) spaced apart from each other, at least one front wheel (2), at least one push bar (3), and at least one removable insert (4). The carriage frame has a base element (5) with at least one bearing holder (6) at the front for the at least one front wheel and bearing holders (7) for the rear wheels arranged laterally at the rear, and a pivot bearing (8) for the at least one push bar and a substantially horizontal support (9) fixed thereto with retaining devices (10, 13) for receiving the at least one removable insert.The push bar is pivotally mounted on the back of the base element and, at least in the setup position, is held at an angle upwards and backwards by means of locking means on the base element, projecting beyond the rear wheels. After being folded backwards into a horizontal extension position relative to the base element, it can be moved from back to front into a storage position on, in or under the base element.