Pushchair Accessory Connection Device with Automatic Pin Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stroller accessories with universal connection devices are cumbersome, unsafe, aesthetically unpleasing, and can damage the stroller frame, requiring tools and multiple parts for installation and often preventing the stroller from folding until removed.

Innovation Solution

A stroller accessory with a connection device featuring two mobile male elements controlled by an actuation mechanism, allowing one-handed operation for instant connection and disconnection without tools, using male pins that automatically engage and disengage with female slots in the stroller frame, ensuring efficient, safe, and aesthetically integrated attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If universal connection devices are used to attach the board to the stroller frame, then the board can be connected to various stroller frames, but the connection becomes complex requiring tools and multiple parts, and creates bulging areas that are unsightly and can damage the stroller frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various stroller framesVSAvoidconnection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into two separate elements: a female connection element integrated into the stroller frame and a male connection element on the board. This segmentation allows each element to have a simple, dedicated function while maintaining adaptability across different stroller models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male connection element is designed to nest within the female connection element during attachment. The male element features a pin that inserts into a recess in the female element, creating a compact integrated appearance without external bulges or protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If universal connection devices are used, then the board can be attached to the stroller, but the connection requires tools and multiple parts making installation tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The female connection element is pre-integrated into the stroller frame during manufacturing, positioned and prepared in advance. This eliminates the need for assembly steps during installation - the user only needs to attach the male element to the pre-positioned female element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex multi-part connection mechanism with tools is extracted and replaced with a simple pin-and-recess system. Only the essential connection function remains, removing unnecessary components and simplifying the installation process to a single action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If complex connection devices are used, then the board can be securely attached, but the connection devices form bulging areas on the rear of the stroller frame that are unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidstroller frame aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The male connection element nests within the female connection element, with the pin inserting into the recess. This nesting arrangement maintains a flush, integrated appearance on the stroller frame surface, eliminating external bulges while preserving connection strength through the interlocking pin-and-recess geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If traditional connection devices are used, then the board can be attached to the stroller, but they frequently lead to damage to the stroller frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to stroller frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The female connection element acts as an intermediary between the stroller frame and the male connection element. This dedicated interface component absorbs and distributes connection forces through its integrated design, preventing stress concentration and potential damage to the stroller frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3512751B1Pushchair accessory, and a transport assembly comprising a pushchair and such an accessory
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 BABYZEN
  • EP3512751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3512751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3512751B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This accessory (20), such as a platform for a pushchair, comprises a frame (21), which is provided with at least one wheel (22), and a device (23) for reversibly connecting to the frame (11) of a pushchair (10), this device being supported by the frame. In order for this accessory to be able to be firmly, effectively, aesthetically and very easily connected to the pushchair, the device (23) is suitable for being attached between a left-hand upright (16G) and a right-hand upright (16D) of the pushchair (10), which respectively belong to a left-hand rear portion (11.1G) and to a right-hand rear portion (11.1D) of the frame (11) of the pushchair, which are parallel to each other and have respective faces, facing each other, in which a first female housing (18G) and a second female housing (18D) are respectively hollowed out, the device comprising: - first and second male elements that can move relative to the frame between a connection position, in which the first and second male elements are respectively received in a complementary manner in the first and second female housings when the device is attached between the left-hand and right-hand uprights of the pushchair, and a disconnection position, in which the first and second male elements are outside the first and second housings; and - a mechanism for activating the first and second male elements, this mechanism being suitable for: - jointly moving, through the action of only one hand of a user, the first and second male elements from their connection position to their disconnection position; and - automatically returning, in the absence of any action, the first and second male elements from their disconnection position to their connection position.