Single-Action Collapsing Mechanism for Three-Wheeled Golf Cart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 3-wheeled collapsible golf carts require multiple actions to collapse and fold, leading to confusion in the sequence of operations and potential errors during use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A single-action collapsing mechanism using a button-hook structure that synchronizes the folding of the handle assembly and lower assembly towards the midsection, eliminating the need for separate steps and ensuring intuitive folding and expanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 3-wheeled collapsible golf cart is designed with separate folding steps for the handle assembly and lower assembly, then the cart can be collapsed, but the folding process becomes complex and requires multiple actions that may cause user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding operations of the handle assembly and lower assembly into a single synchronized action. When the user releases the latch mechanism, both assemblies fold simultaneously toward the midsection, eliminating the need for separate folding steps and reducing user confusion while maintaining collapse functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cart into distinct segments (handle assembly, upper assembly, lower assembly) that are connected through a centralized latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each portion to fold independently yet simultaneously when the latch is released, achieving both structural organization and operational simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the golf cart is designed as a 3-wheeled structure, then it achieves self-balancing capability, but the size increases compared to 2-wheeled models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic collapsing mechanism that transforms the cart from an extended 3-wheeled configuration to a compact folded state. The synchronized folding of handle and lower assemblies toward the midsection dramatically reduces volume while preserving the self-balancing 3-wheeled structure when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A three-wheeled golf cart having collapsible mechanism to fold the cart down for storage and transport where the folding actions for the handle assembly and the lower assembly (containing front wheel) are connected, resulting in a single action collapsing when a user pushes a button release to allow the handle assembly to be detached away from the main upper assembly and a back push rod simultaneously fold up the front wheel. A swivel joint near the front wheel support arm allows the front wheel to be locked in two positions, at 90 degrees to each other, so that the collapsed golf cart has a smaller compact volume when the front wheel is turned 90 degree from its normal usage orientation.