Stroller Dual-Release Locking Mechanism for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable strollers face safety risks due to unintentional release of locking mechanisms, leading to unintended collapse, as they can be activated accidentally by bumps or similar actions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-release mechanism is implemented, where both the primary and secondary releases must be actuated in sequence to fold the stroller from its in-use to collapsed configuration, with the secondary release acting as a safety mechanism to prevent unintended folding, and featuring a bistable locking pin that automatically re-locks the stroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single release mechanism is used for the locking system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintended collapse from accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two separate releases (first release and second release) that must both be actuated to collapse the stroller. This segmentation prevents accidental collapse while maintaining ease of operation, as the user can intentionally activate both releases without difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The first release acts as a preliminary safety measure that prevents unintended activation of the second release. By requiring deliberate activation of the first release before the second release can function, the system pre-empts accidental collapse scenarios.
2Reliability
If a dual-release mechanism is implemented, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental collapse, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second releases are integrated into a unified locking mechanism system that shares common components such as the locking arms, latches, and frame structure. This merging reduces the overall complexity increase that would result from completely separate release systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Both releases utilize the same basic mechanical principles and components (locking arms, latches, frame engagements), allowing the system to achieve enhanced safety through dual-release functionality without proportionally increasing complexity. The releases are functionally similar but operate at different stages of the folding sequence.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism automatically locks when the stroller reaches its in use configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing and actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the stroller is assembled or extended to its in-use configuration. The mechanical design allows the locking arms and latches to self-engage without requiring user intervention, sensors, or electronic controls, thereby achieving automatic locking without significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic locking mechanism is designed so that the natural movement of the stroller frame during assembly or extension automatically triggers the locking action. The mechanical components are positioned and dimensioned such that reaching the in-use configuration naturally brings the locking elements into engagement, eliminating the need for additional actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a stroller foldable between an in use configuration and a collapsed configuration, the stroller comprising a locking mechanism for securing the stroller in the in use configuration, a first release for the locking mechanism, and a second release for the locking mechanism, wherein both the first release and second release must be actuated in order for the stroller to be folded from the in use configuration to the collapsed configuration. Also disclosed is an associated folding mechanism for use with a foldable device such as a stroller.