Stroller Braking System Single Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for baby strollers require multiple actions to lock or unlock the wheels, which can be cumbersome and complex, often involving separate pedals or additional elastic components or multi-linkage mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a single actuator that pivotally connects to the stroller frame, featuring a pair of braking members that engage or disengage with the wheels' teeth upon rotation, and a retaining device to maintain the actuator in either locking or unlocking position, allowing for simultaneous locking or unlocking of both wheels with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate braking system with two pedals is used to lock each wheel independently, then the braking control for each wheel is independent and precise, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate braking operations into a single actuator that simultaneously controls both rear wheels. The actuator integrates the functions of two independent pedals into one unified control mechanism, allowing the user to lock or unlock both wheels with a single action, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to independently engage braking members with each wheel's teeth
2Device complexity
If a single cam is used to push brakes simultaneously toward wheels, then single actuation is achieved, but additional elastic components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate elastic components by integrating the spring mechanism directly into the actuator assembly. The spring is positioned within the actuator to bias the braking members toward the disengaged position, and the single actuation motion simultaneously moves both braking members, thereby reducing the total number of discrete components while achieving simultaneous braking action
3Ease of operation
If a multi-linkage mechanism is implemented for single actuation, then simultaneous locking or unlocking is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking control function by providing separate braking members for each wheel while using a single actuator that divides its motion to simultaneously engage or disengage both braking members. The actuator is split into two arms that independently control each wheel's braking member, allowing single actuation without requiring complex multi-linkage mechanisms to coordinate multiple pedals or controls
Data Source
AI summary
Braking system for a stroller utilizes an actuator to move two brakes close to an axis to unlock the rear wheels of the stroller and away from the axis to lock the rear wheels. Each brake comprises a long arm. The brakes are disposed at the opposite sides of the axis. When the actuator is driven to rotate about the axis, the brakes move around the axis to have axial movement close to or away from the axis.