Collapsible Pushchair Seat Inversion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collapsible child support apparatuses, such as pushchairs, are susceptible to seat inversion due to the suspended arrangement of the seat, which can cause a child to slide out when pressure is applied, especially when a child arches their back or external forces are exerted.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fixed-length struts connected between the seat pivot and the handle member to resist movement and prevent seat inversion, forming a rigid triangle that maintains the seat's stability while allowing for a compact fold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the seat is suspended by flexible material to the handle members, then the pushchair achieves lightweight construction and compact fold, but the seat becomes susceptible to inversion when force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepushchair weightVSAvoidseat inversion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat support system is segmented into multiple components: the suspended seat assembly and separate strut members. The struts are connected to the frame and seat pivot point, creating a segmented structural support system that prevents inversion while preserving the suspended seat's lightweight and compact properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The struts act as intermediary elements between the frame and the seat pivot point. These struts mediate the forces applied to the seat, providing structural support and preventing inversion while allowing the seat to remain suspended by flexible material for lightweight construction and compact folding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If struts of fixed length are added to prevent seat inversion, then seat stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat stabilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The struts are merged with the existing frame members and seat pivot assembly. The struts connect to the frame at locations that integrate with the existing structural members, combining the inversion prevention function with the existing frame structure rather than adding completely separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The struts serve multiple functions: they prevent seat inversion, provide structural support during folding and unfolding operations, and maintain proper geometric relationships between frame members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components

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

Data Source

PatentEP2682325B1Child support apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 MAMAS & PAPAS HLDG
  • EP2682325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2682325B1 patent drawingFigure 7~12
  • EP2682325B1 patent drawingFigure 13~15

AI summary

The invention relates to collapsible child support apparatus comprising a frame (12) supporting a seat (14) for the child, the frame and the seat having an open condition for seating a child in the seat and a collapsed condition. The frame (12) comprises left and right frame assemblies L, R, each frame assembly comprising a front member (16), a rear member (18) and a handle member (20) pivotally mounted together by a hinge member (22) to allow pivotal movement of the frame members between open and collapsed conditions. The seat comprises a seat base (24) supported by the front frame members, a seat back (26) suspended to the handle members and a seat pivot (28) to allow the seat back (26) and seat base(24) to pivot between open and closed conditions, the seat back being suspended to the handle members (20), possibly by a flexible material of selectively variable length, to allow the seat back (26) to pivot to any one of a plurality of reclined positions relative to the seat base in the open condition. Each frame assembly comprises a strut (30) of fixed length which is connected between the seat pivot and the handle member for resisting movement of the seat pivot relative to the frame in the open condition.