Stroller Backrest Reclining Mechanism with Cable Pulley Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stroller backrest adjustment mechanisms require complex designs or two-handed operation, making them inconvenient and aesthetically unappealing while failing to provide intuitive and comfortable reclining angle adjustments for both sitting and sleeping positions.

Innovation Solution

A backrest reclining mechanism utilizing a fabric, pulleys, cables, and an adjusting device that allows for smooth and one-handed adjustment of the backrest angle by changing the cable length between the pulley and the main body, supported by a compact and hidden cable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two grips are disposed at two sides of the stroller for adjusting the backrest angle, then the backrest can be adjusted to different reclining angles, but the user needs to use two hands to press the grips simultaneously which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of backrest adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment functions of both sides into a single adjusting device located on one side of the stroller. This adjusting device includes a handle and a cable mechanism that controls both the left and right grips simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust the backrest angle with one hand while maintaining the functionality of both-side adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a connecting rod with connecting cable is used to pull engaging parts at two sides for fixing the reclined angle, then one-handed adjustment is enabled, but the mechanism becomes complicated and the look of the stroller is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex connecting rod mechanism and replaces it with a simplified cable-based system. The cable is routed through the fabric of the backrest and connected to the adjusting device, eliminating the need for visible connecting rods and complex engagement mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the fabric of the backrest as a flexible element to route and conceal the cable. The cable passes through the fabric material, which acts as a protective and aesthetic covering, hiding the mechanical components while allowing smooth movement and adjustment of the backrest angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If a complicated mechanism is used to allow one-handed adjustment, then the adjustment can be performed with one hand, but the mechanism becomes complex and aesthetically unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the fabric as a flexible shell to conceal the cable and adjusting mechanism. The cable is integrated into the fabric structure, allowing the mechanical components to be hidden while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the backrest. This approach preserves the clean look of the stroller while enabling one-handed adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 comfortable reclining angles for both sitting and sleeping positions with enhanced operability and an aesthetically pleasing design by simplifying the adjustment process and hiding the mechanism under the fabric, providing a more comfortable ride for babies.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pulley rotatably disposed on the backrest; at least one cable wound around the pulley

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS8113523B2Backrest reclining mechanism and related stroller
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
  • US8113523B2 patent drawing
  • US8113523B2 patent drawing
  • US8113523B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A backrest reclining mechanism is applied to a stroller. The backrest reclining mechanism includes a fabric, at least one pulley, at least one cable, and an adjusting device. The fabric is disposed around a backrest of the stroller. Two ends of the fabric are connected to two sides of a main body of the stroller respectively. The pulley is rotatably disposed on the backrest. The cable is wound around the pulley. A first end of the cable extends within the fabric to be connected to the main body. The adjusting device is movably disposed on the backrest and connected to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device is used for changing a length of the cable between the first end and the pulley when moving, so as to adjust a reclining angle of the backrest.