Stroller Basket Frame with Spring-Loaded Detent Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strollers with basket assemblies face challenges in easily transitioning the basket from an in-use position to an access position, particularly in accommodating elongated objects and ensuring easy access, due to design limitations such as the basket extending under the seat bottom and the need for manual pivoting and securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A stroller design featuring a basket frame that moves between in-use and access positions using a latch assembly with detents and a spring element, allowing for easy downward force application to switch positions and remaining in the access position without additional support, enabling caregivers to load or unload items without using their hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the basket frame is manually pivoted and secured to the rear surface of the back rest, then the basket can be held in position, but the operation becomes complex and difficult when the stroller is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The basket frame automatically positions itself using gravity and spring-loaded detents. When the stroller is folded, the basket frame naturally drops into the access position without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement with detents, eliminating the need for manual pivoting and securing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket frame transitions from a static, manually-secured position to a dynamic, gravity-assisted movable position. The spring-loaded detent mechanism allows the basket to move freely between in-use and access positions, with automatic engagement at each position, making the system adaptive to the stroller's folded or unfolded state.
2Quantity of substance
If the basket extends under the seat bottom, then the basket can hold objects, but access to the top opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The basket frame is designed to dynamically reposition between an in-use position (extending under the seat bottom for storage) and an access position (raised for easy item retrieval). The spring-loaded detent mechanism enables smooth transition between these positions, allowing users to access the top opening when needed while maintaining storage capacity when the basket is in the lowered position.
3Ease of operation
If a break-away basket frame is forced past stops to move between positions, then access is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the basket frame's position. When the basket is moved to the access position, the spring automatically releases the detent, allowing the frame to drop into place without requiring forced movement or complex latch operations by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterweight system, balancing the weight of the basket frame to assist its movement between positions. The spring provides the necessary force to overcome friction and gravity, reducing the effort required by the user to move the basket frame while maintaining controlled engagement at each position.
4Ease of operation
If the basket frame is held in access position without additional support, then ease of access is improved, but the frame must remain stable without manual holding
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism provides automatic stabilization of the basket frame in both the in-use and access positions. When the basket frame reaches the access position, the spring automatically engages with the detent, locking the frame in place without requiring manual support. This ensures the frame remains stable and hands-free during item loading or unloading operations.
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 solution allows for effortless transition of the basket between positions, improving accessibility and usability, particularly for elongated objects, by simplifying the mechanism for switching between in-use and access configurations, enhancing the stroller's functionality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a latch assembly including a spring element that couples the basket frame to the stroller frame
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller includes a stroller frame; a basket assembly including a basket frame coupled to the stroller frame, wherein the basket frame is configured to move, without bending, between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a latch assembly on each side of the stroller that movably couples the basket frame to the stroller frame, the latch assembly being configured such that application of a downward force on the basket frame moves the basket frame from the first, in-use position to the second, access position. Upon removal of the application of downward force, the basket frame can remain in the second, access position.