Pushchair Wheel Locking Mechanism With Spring-Loaded Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel locking mechanisms for pushchairs are not sufficiently reliable, easy to use, or cost-effective, with variations in design leading to inconsistencies in performance across different brands and models.
Innovation Solution
A wheel locking mechanism comprising a rotatable member mounted on the wheel hub and a non-rotatable member on the pushchair chassis, with a locking pin that pivots into a toothed surface for locking and unlocking, utilizing a locking actuator and release mechanism for easy operation, and optionally linked between wheels for synchronized locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary wheel locking mechanisms are designed for each pushchair model, then brand differentiation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a wheel locking mechanism designed to be universally applicable across different pushchair models. The mechanism uses standard components (locking pin, locking surface, actuator) that can be adapted to various wheel configurations without requiring proprietary designs for each brand, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining brand differentiation through application rather than fundamental design variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking pin component, a locking surface on the rotatable member, and an actuator component. This segmentation allows each part to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while enabling flexible application across different pushchair models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing wheel locking mechanisms are used, then various designs are available, but reliability and ease of use are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded locking pin that automatically engages with the locking surface when the wheel is stationary, providing self-locking functionality. The actuator simply needs to be pressed to release the lock, and the spring automatically returns the pin to the engaged position, eliminating the need for complex control systems and improving reliability through passive self-regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes a spring element that pre-loads the locking pin into a ready-to-engage position before locking is required. This pre-positioning ensures that the locking action is immediate and reliable when the wheel stops, without requiring additional adjustment or manual intervention to ensure proper engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing wheel locking mechanisms are used, then various configurations are available, but ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking function is extracted into a simple foot-operated actuator that can be easily pressed by the user's foot. This separates the operating mechanism from the main body of the pushchair, making it accessible and easy to operate without requiring hand manipulation or complex controls, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns the locking pin to the engaged position after unlocking, eliminating the need for the user to manually reset or adjust any components. The system serves itself by automatically re-engaging the lock after the foot actuator is released, improving ease of operation through automatic self-resetting functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary locking mechanisms are designed for each brand, then brand identity is strengthened, but cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal wheel locking mechanism that can be applied across multiple pushchair models and brands. By using standardized components (locking pin, locking surface geometry, spring-loaded actuator) that can be adapted to different wheel sizes and configurations, manufacturers can reduce tooling costs, simplify supply chain management, and lower per-unit manufacturing costs while still maintaining brand identity through application-specific integration rather than fundamental design variation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism provides reliable and easy-to-use wheel locking and unlocking functions, enhancing the usability and cost-effectiveness of pushchair designs while maintaining compatibility with various wheel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pin adapted to selectively cooperate with the locking surface of the rotatable member, whereby the relative positions of the rotatable and non-rotatable members are lockable
Implementation Method 2
a spring, connected to the actuator, adapted to urge the locking pin back to its initial position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A wheel locking mechanism (10), suitable for locking a wheel of a pushchair, the mechanism comprising: a rotatable member (20), adapted to be mounted on the hub of a wheel, whereby the rotatable member (20) is co-rotatable with, and by rotation of, the wheel, said rotatable member (20) comprising a locking surface (21), and a non-rotatable member (22), comprising a locking pin (23) adapted to selectively cooperate with the locking surface (21) of the rotatable member (20), whereby the relative positions of the rotatable (20) and non-rotatable (22) members are lockable. Also disclosed is a pushchair comprising a chassis having a rear axle, at each end of which a wheel is mountable, wherein each end of the rear axle is provided with such a wheel locking mechanism (10).