Stroller Brake Sliding Blocks and Torsion Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for child strollers are complex, bulky, and difficult to use, often requiring multiple parts, cables, or springs, and do not allow easy access for leveraging over obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with sliding blocking elements and a torsion-stiff shaft for simultaneous wheel engagement/disengagement, using a limited number of parts and no cables or springs, with operating elements positioned high enough for easy access and reversible movement transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical systems with multiple parts and springs are used, then the brake device can achieve reliable wheel blocking, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into independent blocking elements for each wheel, allowing modular assembly and maintenance while maintaining overall system reliability through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using springs to maintain brake engagement, the patent uses gravity and mechanical advantage to maintain the blocked position, with the release mechanism using spring force to disengage blocks when activated
2Volume of moving object
If pedals are positioned near the wheel axis and ground level, then the brake structure is compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in lifting pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism uses vertical motion of the operating element to translate into horizontal motion of the blocking elements through the shaft, creating mechanical advantage that reduces the force needed to operate the brake
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the motion of one blocking element to the other, allowing centralized control from a high-positioned operating element while maintaining compact wheel-level blocking components
3Reliability
If blocking elements are engaged between wheel teeth by rotating, then the brake can effectively block wheels, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating blocks to engage with wheel teeth, the patent uses sliding blocks that move linearly along the wheel axis, simplifying the blocking mechanism while maintaining effectiveness through direct contact with wheel features
4Reliability
If cable-based brake devices are used to simultaneously engage blocking elements, then both wheels can be blocked simultaneously, but the ease of manufacture and reliability deteriorate due to assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft combines the functions of linking both wheels' blocking elements into a single rigid component, eliminating the need for flexible cable connections and simplifying assembly while ensuring synchronized operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical linkage with a rigid shaft mechanism, improving reliability by eliminating cable stretch and connection points while simplifying the overall assembly process
5Volume of moving object
If pedals or horizontal bars are located between the two rear wheels, then the brake structure is compact, but the adaptability deteriorates as users cannot leverage on the crossbar
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into independent blocking elements that operate at the wheel level, allowing the upper crossbar to remain clear and available for leveraging while maintaining compact brake functionality through distributed blocking components
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 provides a reliable, robust, and easy-to-use brake system that is simple to assemble, reduces the risk of damage, and allows easy access for leveraging over obstacles, while ensuring simultaneous engagement of both rear wheels.
Implementation Method 1
movement transmission means, designed in order to simultaneously cause the second blocking element to move to its blocking position when the first blocking element moves to its blocking position, and to simultaneously cause the second blocking element to move to its disengaged position when the first blocking element moves to its disengaged position; said movement transmission means comprising a rotating shaft and movement transmission organs, borne by the blocking elements, in gear with said rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system for a stroller including at least first and second rear legs, each fitted with a wheel, is disclosed. The brake system includes a first and a second blocking element, slidably mounted respectively on the first and the second legs, between a blocking position and a disengaged position. An operating element, moveable from a high to a low position is employed for displacing the first blocking element from its disengaged position to its blocking position, and conversely, moveable from its low position to its high position for displacing the first blocking element from its blocking position to its disengaged position. A rotating shaft and movement transmission organs cause the second blocking element to move to its blocking position when the first blocking element does the same, and also cause the second blocking element to move to its disengaged position when the first blocking element does the same.