Lightweight Stroller Cable Drive Mechanism for Folding Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lightweight baby strollers lack the structural stability, functionality, and stylish design of heavier models, making them cumbersome and difficult to transition between open and closed positions, especially during active movements like jogging.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight stroller design featuring a telescoping tube assembly with a drive mechanism, linkage system, and storage assembly that allows for easy transition between open and closed positions using a cable drive and biasing member, while maintaining structural stability and incorporating features like full suspension and onboard storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials such as hard plastics are used to reduce stroller weight, then the effort required to push the stroller is reduced, but structural stability and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller combines hard plastic components for weight reduction with metal structural members (tubular frame, linkage members) for strength and stability. This composite construction allows the stroller to achieve lightweight properties while maintaining the structural integrity needed for active movement and user confidence.
2Weight of moving object
If fewer structural members and shorter frame materials are used to reduce weight, then stroller weight is reduced, but structural stability and functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller structure is divided into modular components including a tubular frame, linkage system with multiple members, telescoping tube assembly, and collapsible storage assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall structural stability and functionality despite reduced total material usage.
3Ease of operation
If automatic folding mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller incorporates a spring-loaded automatic folding mechanism where the user simply releases a latch and the stroller automatically collapses to its compact configuration. The spring-loaded linkage system provides the folding force, eliminating the need for manual effort to fold the stroller while maintaining relatively simple operation.
4Ease of operation
If telescoping tube assembly with slideable joints is used, then ease of operation for folding is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The front support uses a telescoping tube assembly with slideable joints that allow dynamic movement during folding and unfolding operations. When in the operational extended position, the assembly provides structural stability; during transition, the slideable joints enable smooth movement. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt between stability and mobility as needed.
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 stroller provides effortless transition between positions, enhanced stability, and integrated features like full suspension and storage, addressing the limitations of existing lightweight strollers by ensuring ease of use and confidence during active movements.
Implementation Method 1
The joints are received within the slot of the outer tube. A drive mechanism coupled to the right or left frame is also provided. The front support and the rear support of the right frame and the left frame are movable from an open position to a closed position by the drive mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
transitioning the stroller from the open position to the closed position causes the slideable joints to slide downward along the slots of the outer tube
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller is provided, which includes a frame and a drive mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to transition the frame between an open position and a closed position. The drive mechanism includes: a cable drive; at least one spool rotated by the cable drive; at least one cable received by the at least one spool and connected to the frame; and at least one biasing member connected to the at least one cable for removing slack from the at least one cable. The stroller is configured such that rotation of the at least one spool by the cable drive causes the cable to exert a force against the frame to transition the frame between the open position and the closed position or between the closed position and the open position.