Safety Locking Assembly for Foldable Support Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable strollers or supporting frames used with infant seats can accidentally fold when an infant seat is coupled, posing safety risks and operational challenges, as existing designs lack effective mechanisms to prevent accidental folding during installation or use.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a safety lock mechanism, comprising a joint device and a button assembly, where the safety lock mechanism is movably disposed on the second joint component to selectively engage with or detach from the button assembly, preventing the supporting device from folding accidentally during infant seat installation and allowing safe folding when the seat is detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supporting device is designed to be foldable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental folding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lock mechanism proactively prevents accidental folding by engaging the locking block with the button assembly before any unintended folding can occur. The resilient component maintains constant pressure to ensure the lock is engaged, creating a preliminary protective action that counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking block acts as an intermediary element between the button assembly and the supporting device structure. It mediates the interaction by physically blocking the folding motion when engaged, while allowing controlled folding when the button is intentionally pressed to disengage it.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental folding, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking block for engagement, the resilient component for maintaining force, and the button assembly for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient component provides self-service by automatically maintaining pressure on the locking block to keep it engaged with the button assembly. This eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, as the spring itself continuously performs the locking function without external intervention.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism engages the button assembly, then prevention of accidental folding is achieved, but ease of intentional folding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The button is extracted as a separate, accessible control element that can be easily pressed to disengage the locking mechanism. This separation allows the locking function to remain engaged during normal operation while providing a simple, dedicated interface for intentional release when folding is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controllable state. The resilient component allows the locking block to move slightly when the button is pressed, enabling controlled disengagement. This dynamic behavior maintains safety during normal use while allowing easy intentional folding when needed.
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
Ensures the supporting device remains extended and secure during infant seat installation, preventing accidental folding and enhancing safety by only allowing complete unfolding for proper installation, while allowing easy folding when the seat is removed, thus ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient component disposed between the locking block and the second joint component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide a locking assembly including a joint device and a safety lock mechanism. The joint device includes a first joint component, a second joint component and a button assembly. The second joint component is pivoted to the first joint component. The button assembly is slidably disposed between the first joint component and the second joint component, and the button assembly is for locking a pivotal movement of the first joint component and the second joint component. The safety lock mechanism movably passes through the second joint component to selectively engage with the button assembly, so as to lock the button assembly selectively. Therefore, it increases the operating safety.