Stroller Basket Frame Torsion Spring Pivot Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The basket frame of strollers is prone to damage due to misuse, such as being stepped on, as it is located at a lower position and can hinder proper foot placement for braking or folding the stroller while carrying an infant.

Innovation Solution

A stroller design featuring a basket frame with a connecting device comprising a first and second pivot part connected by a torsion spring, allowing the rear frame to pivot downward when a downward force is applied, thereby preventing damage and returning to a fixed position when the force is removed, using a torsion spring mechanism to absorb and redirect the impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the basket frame is located at a lower position for storage capacity, then the storage space is improved, but the basket frame becomes vulnerable to damage from stepping on it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidbasket frame durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The basket frame is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one by introducing a pivot connection between the front and rear frames. The rear frame can now rotate relative to the front frame, allowing the structure to adapt to external forces dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the basket to pivot downward when stepped on, preventing damage while maintaining the low-position storage benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of stepping on the basket frame into a beneficial protective mechanism. When a downward force is applied (harmful action), the torsion spring activates and the rear frame pivots downward, transforming the harmful impact into a protective response that prevents damage to the basket frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Strength

If the basket frame is made rigid for structural strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but it hinders proper foot placement for braking or folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidfoot placement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid basket frame is replaced with a dynamic structure where the rear frame can pivot relative to the front frame. This dynamic design provides sufficient structural strength through the torsion spring mechanism while simultaneously creating clear space for proper foot placement during braking or folding operations, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the basket frame is made rigid to prevent damage, then the structural strength is improved, but it cannot return to position after being stepped on

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidframe position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful action of stepping on the basket frame is converted into a beneficial automatic reset mechanism. The torsion spring stores energy when the rear frame is forced downward, and automatically releases this energy to return the frame to its original position, transforming damage potential into a self-correcting protective feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The basket frame structure serves itself by automatically returning to its correct position after being disturbed. The torsion spring mechanism provides self-service functionality, eliminating the need for manual intervention to reset the frame position, thereby maintaining both structural strength and position adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 design effectively prevents damage to the basket frame by allowing it to pivot downward when subjected to downward forces, ensuring it returns to a secure position, thus protecting the frame from misuse-induced damage.

Implementation Method 1

An application of a downward force on the rear frame deforms the torsion spring and causes the rear frame to pivot downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a removal of the downward force causes a spring return to make the rear frame to return to a fixed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the torsion spring biases the first pivot part and the second pivot part so that the first positioning block abuts against the second positioning block and thus the rear frame is prevented from pivoting upward beyond the fixed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8444172B2Stroller and basket frame of the same

Publication Date: 2013.05.21 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A basket frame of a stroller comprises a connecting device connected between a front frame and a rear frame. The connecting device comprises a first connector having a first pivot part, a second connector having a second pivot part, and a torsion spring. The first pivot part is pivotally connected to the second pivot part. An application of a downward force on the rear frame deforms the torsion spring and causes the rear frame to pivot downward. A removal of the downward force causes a spring return to make the rear frame to return to a fixed position.