Power-Assisted Stroller Clutch for Freewheeling Manual Push
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-assisted wheeled child carriers require two separate motors for the right and left wheels, increasing weight, cost, and complexity due to the need for multiple sensors and control circuits, which also provide resistance when manually pushing or pulling the carrier.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a motor and independently operable left and right clutches that can engage and disengage, allowing the rear wheels to receive power assist or not, reducing motor resistance when the motor is off, enabling easier manual pushing or pulling by allowing the wheels to freewheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two separate motors are used for right and left wheels, then power assist function is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motors into a single motor that drives both rear wheels through a differential mechanism. The motor is positioned centrally and connected to both wheels via a differential assembly, allowing one motor to replace two while maintaining the power assist function for both wheels simultaneously.
2Power
If two separate motors are used for right and left wheels, then power assist function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems by using a single motor with a unified control circuit that manages both rear wheels through the differential mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate sensors and control circuits for each wheel, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining independent wheel control capability through the differential's natural mechanics.
3Power
If motors are always engaged, then power assist is provided, but resistance is created when manual pushing is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic engagement system where the motor and differential mechanism can automatically disengage when manual pushing is detected. The system monitors wheel rotation and motor current to determine when manual operation is needed, then disengages the motor connection to eliminate resistance, allowing free manual pushing or pulling of the carrier.
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
This solution reduces the effort required to push or pull the child carrier by eliminating motor resistance when the motor is not engaged, simplifies the control system, and reduces the overall weight and cost of the carrier.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch positioned between the output shaft and the wheel shaft, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively engage and disengage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an electric power-assisted wheeled child carrier are provided herein. The electric power-assisted wheeled child carrier, such as a stroller for example, includes an electric drive mechanism for electrically powering rotation of at least one wheel of the child carrier. The electric power mechanism includes a motor, an output shaft coupled to the motor that is configured to rotate the output shaft, a wheel shaft coupled to the wheel being powered; and a clutch positioned between the output shaft and the wheel shaft. The clutch is configured to move axially between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the output shaft powered by the motor drives rotation of the wheel, and in the disengaged state, the wheel is configured to rotate without power from the motor.