Split Stroller Tray Horns and Brake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current strollers face challenges in folding compactly due to vertical dividers that prevent submarining, complex brake actuation mechanisms, and non-removable tray designs, which complicate construction, increase weight, and hinder aesthetics and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A split occupant retention structure with abbreviated horns on the tray and seat, a simplified brake actuation mechanism using actuation wings on the rear axle, and a swivel-mounted tray with a spring-loaded detent for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertical divider is provided between seat and tray structures to prevent submarining, then child safety is improved, but stroller folding complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is divided into multiple discrete elements: a first retainer on the seat, a second retainer on the tray, and a third retainer connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and folded without requiring a rigid vertical divider spanning the entire distance between seat and tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The third retainer connects the first and second retainers in a manner that allows movement and folding, enabling the structure to adapt between the unfolded operational state (providing safety) and the folded storage state (reducing complexity).
2Reliability
If a vertical divider spans from tray bottom to seat surface to block child passage, then submarining prevention is improved, but stroller weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single heavy vertical divider, the safety function is achieved through multiple lightweight retainer elements distributed at strategic positions. The first retainer is attached to the seat, the second to the tray, and the third connects them, creating a distributed retention system that prevents submarining with reduced weight compared to a solid vertical barrier.
3Reliability
If a vertical divider is used to prevent child passage between seat and tray, then occupant retention is improved, but stroller aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented retainer structure consists of discrete, small-scale elements rather than a large vertical divider. This segmentation allows the retainers to be positioned to provide safety while being less visually intrusive, maintaining cleaner lines and better aesthetics compared to a prominent vertical barrier.
4Reliability
If complex cross bars and links are used to interconnect brake actuators on opposing sides, then simultaneous brake actuation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake actuation mechanism merges the function of multiple cross bars and links into a single integrated lever system. The lever is positioned to simultaneously engage brake mechanisms on both sides of the stroller, combining what would traditionally require separate linkage components into one unified actuation element, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining simultaneous brake engagement.
5Stability of the object's composition
If tray is mounted for rotation but not completely removable, then tray stability is improved, but accessibility to seat structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tray mounting system is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing the tray to be in different states: securely mounted for stability during use, and easily removable for accessibility when needed. The mounting mechanism enables transition between these states without requiring complex tools or procedures, balancing stability and accessibility through its design.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant retention structure for a child's stroller utilizes an abbreviated upper horn extending downwardly from the underside of the tray and an abbreviated lower horn that extends upwardly from the seat pan beneath the lower horn without connection therebetween. Other protuberances formed by the tray and seat structures cooperates with the upper and lower horns to prevent the passage of a small probe used to determine if a child's torso or head could pass through an opening. The tray is mounted on a forwardly extending mounting pin for rotation thereon, while being rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the mounting pin to provide a swivel connection for the tray on one of the arm rests. A spring-loaded detent allows the tray to be released from the mounting pin for removal thereof from the stroller. The opposing end of the tray is latched to the other arm rest.