Stroller Backrest Folding Mechanism with Wavelike Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stroller seat backrest mechanisms lack a simple and efficient way to adjust the backrest position and fold compactly, limiting convenience in transportation and storage.

Innovation Solution

A folding mechanism featuring wavelike projections and recesses on the seat plate with a triangular-shaped movable comb and spring-loaded locking elements allows for adjustable backrest angles and compact folding, enabling more parallel alignment of the backrest with the seat plate, thus creating additional space for other components during folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple adjustment mechanism with tabs or hooks is used, then the backrest can be adjusted to the right height, but the folding mechanism cannot achieve compact folding and full range of movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest adjustmentVSAvoidfolding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is divided into separate components: the backrest frame, the movable comb, and the locking elements. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the backrest frame provides structural support, the movable comb enables angular adjustment, and the locking elements secure the position, while collectively achieving compact folding when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The movable comb can rotate relative to the backrest frame, allowing the backrest angle to be adjusted dynamically. The spring-loaded locking elements can engage or disengage to secure positions, providing dynamic control over the backrest's angular orientation while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest is made adjustable with multiple positions, then comfort and versatility are improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest position adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelike projections and recesses are pre-formed on the movable comb and backrest frame during manufacturing. These geometric features are built into the structure beforehand, eliminating the need for additional adjustable components. The comb can be rotated to predetermined angular positions where the projections fit into corresponding recesses, providing multiple fixed positions without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking elements automatically engage with the wavelike projections and recesses when the movable comb is rotated to the appropriate angle. The springs provide the necessary force to lock the comb in place without requiring external intervention. This self-locking mechanism provides reliable positioning while keeping the overall structure compact and simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Length of moving object

If the backrest folding mechanism is simplified, then the structure becomes more compact for transport, but the range of movement and folding capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroller seat lengthVSAvoidfolding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

When the backrest is folded, the movable comb nests within the backrest frame structure. The comb rotates to a position where it aligns with the frame's geometry, allowing it to be contained within the overall footprint of the seat. This nesting arrangement minimizes the extended length of the backrest during folding while maintaining the structural integrity and folding capability of the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If locking elements are added to secure backrest position, then reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelike projections and recesses serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the movable comb and the backrest frame. These geometric features provide a simple yet reliable locking interface - when the comb is rotated to the correct angle, the projections fit into the recesses, creating a positive lock. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable position stability without requiring complex locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The mechanism allows for a fuller range of backrest movement, facilitates easier folding, and provides more convenient transport by shortening the stroller seat length and creating space for other elements like canopies or mattresses without interference.

Implementation Method 1

spring-loaded locking elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

wavelike projections and recesses on the seat plate with a triangular-shaped movable comb

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3862247B1Stroller seat with a backrest folding mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 PRZEDSIEBIORSTWO PRODUKCYJNO HANDLOWE ARO KARON SPOLKA JAWNA
  • EP3862247B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3862247B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3862247B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A folding mechanism of a stroller seat backrest, in which owing to the location of the backrest frame folding place which is above the adjustment point of its backrest inclination angle - it is possible to retract the backrest frame base, thus shorten the length of the folded seat and provide a more parallel positioning of the backrest relative to the seat after it is folded. The seat plate (1) has a handle (2) wherein in the lower part of the handle (2) a generally rectangular element is formed which is substantially parallel to the seat plate (1), and a triangle-shaped element is led out upwards from this element. Handle (2) in its central part has a recess (3), adapted to recess in it a pendulum movable comb (4). Along one of the edges of the movable comb (4), a recess or opening is made with wavelike projections and recesses, where thus formed recess forms the positioner (6).