Folding Bearing Structure for Stroller Wheel Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folding stroller designs result in a large size when folded due to increased height and length, primarily caused by the combination of cross-shaped device closure and wheel size, which limits compactness and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A folding bearing structure that synchronizes the folding of wheels and frame components, allowing wheels to rotate 90° into a horizontal plane, reducing overall size by using a central cross-type folding system with synchronization devices such as helical ramps and gears to minimize the folded stroller's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cross-shaped device closure and wheel size are increased to improve folding mechanism, then folding capability is improved, but overall size when folded increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by rotating the wheels from a vertical orientation to a horizontal plane during folding. The wheels pivot 90 degrees around their horizontal axes, changing their spatial dimension from extending vertically to extending horizontally, thereby reducing the folded height and overall volume of the stroller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wheel assembly into independently pivotable components. Each wheel can rotate 90 degrees independently around its horizontal axis, allowing the wheel assembly to be divided into multiple movable segments that can be folded separately, reducing the overall folded dimensions while maintaining folding capability.
2Reliability
If wheel size is increased to improve endurance and comfort, then baby comfort is improved, but compactness when folded deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables large wheels to be folded compactly by changing their spatial orientation from vertical to horizontal. The wheels pivot 90 degrees around horizontal axes, allowing them to lie flat in the horizontal plane when folded, thereby maintaining large wheel size for comfort and endurance while achieving compact folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic folding capability to the wheel assembly through pivot joints that allow the wheels to rotate 90 degrees. This dynamic mechanism enables the wheels to transition between a vertical position for use and a horizontal position for compact storage, accommodating both large wheel size requirements and compact folding needs.
3Area of stationary object
If cross-shaped folding system is used to reduce width, then width reduction is achieved, but overall length when folded increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the folding dimension from horizontal width reduction to vertical height reduction. Instead of using a cross-shaped mechanism that folds horizontally, the invention pivots the wheels 90 degrees around horizontal axes, causing them to fold vertically into the horizontal plane, thereby reducing folded height while minimizing impact on folded length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional folding approach by having the wheels fold onto the frame rather than the frame folding around the wheels. The wheels pivot 90 degrees to lie flat against the frame structure, reversing the conventional folding sequence and reducing the overall folded length by positioning the wheels within the frame's footprint rather than extending beyond it.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing structure includes a wheel assembly defining a first front wheel assembly and a second rear wheel assembly, the rear wheel assembly including at least two wheels spaced by a first width defining a first position; wheel supports connecting the axes of rotation of the wheels with the bearing structure; a first folding device enabling a first folding causing a reduction in spacing between the two rear wheels to a second width lower than the first width, defining a second position. A connection system, connecting the wheel supports of the first and second assemblies to the first folding device, enables a second folding of the wheels so as to allow a rotation substantially equal to 90° of the wheels in the horizontal plane when the wheels are in the second position.