Steerable Stroller Boom with Centering Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jogging strollers lack the ability to steer stably while jogging or running due to their fixed wheel configuration, and they are not convertible between different seating configurations, requiring separate strollers for varying numbers of children.
Innovation Solution
A steerable stroller design featuring a rear framework with rotatably supported rear wheels, a pivotally connected boom with a front wheel, and a centering mechanism that biases the boom to return to a straight orientation, allowing for stable turning and a convertible seating arrangement by removably attaching seat assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional jogging strollers use fixedly mounted wheels, then the stroller structure is simple and stable, but the stroller cannot be steered during jogging or running
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheel assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a steerable mechanism that allows the front wheel to be oriented at different angles relative to the rear wheels. The boom can be rotated to change the front wheel's direction, enabling the stroller to turn and navigate during jogging or running while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional jogging strollers use a caster wheel, then the stroller can swivel, but the caster wheel is unstable for actual jogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a passive caster wheel to an actively controlled steerable front wheel assembly. The front wheel can be dynamically oriented at specific angles relative to the rear wheels, providing both the swiveling capability needed for steering and the stability required for jogging through controlled angular positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The steerable mechanism provides controlled responsiveness to user input through the handlebars, allowing the parent to actively manage the front wheel's orientation. This feedback control enables stable turning and direction changes during jogging, preventing the instability associated with uncontrolled caster wheels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional jogging strollers are designed as single, double, or triple strollers separately, then each configuration is optimized for specific numbers of children, but parents must purchase multiple different strollers
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate one, two, or three children through interchangeable seat assemblies. The same basic stroller frame and steerable mechanism can support different seating configurations, eliminating the need for parents to purchase separate single, double, or triple strollers while maintaining optimized performance for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating system is segmented into separate, interchangeable seat assemblies that can be independently attached or removed from the stroller frame. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of the stroller to match the number of children being transported, transforming a single stroller into multiple functional configurations.
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
Enables stable and controlled turning during jogging or running and allows for easy conversion between single and double seating configurations, enhancing usability and convenience for parents.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible and resilient member operably coupled between the boom and the rear framework. The at least one flexible and resilient member is normally biased to orient the boom in a straight orientation with the front wheel in alignment with the first and second rear wheels. The flexible and resilient member is further arranged to impart a return force on the boom when the boom is pivoted
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention involve a steerable stroller including a rear frame assembly supporting two rear wheels and a front frame assembly, which may take the form of a boom or other frame work, pivotally coupled with the rear frame assembly and supporting a front wheel. A centering mechanism is provided that elastically couples the front frame assembly with the rear frame assembly so that the boom and front wheel are normally in a straight orientation with respect to the rear wheels, and when a user imparts a turning force the centering mechanism acts to return the boom and front wheel to the straight orientation when the force is reduced or removed. It is also possible to include a pivoting front wheel in conjunction with or separate from the pivoting boom, with pivoting wheel also including a centering mechanism. Finally, aspects of the present invention may include a removable seat assembly.