Child Stroller Linkage for Smooth Folding and Stable Unfolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child strollers face challenges in providing a smooth and convenient folding and unfolding mechanism, which is crucial for convenient storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
The child stroller apparatus incorporates a first leg frame, a second leg frame, a handle frame, a seat assembly, and a linkage system with a support bar, slider, and frame link, allowing for smooth folding and unfolding through a four-bar linkage mechanism and locking mechanisms to stabilize the stroller in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional folding mechanism is used, then the stroller can be folded for storage, but the folding and unfolding operation becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller frame is divided into multiple segments (first leg frame, second leg frame, handle frame with side segments) that can be independently positioned and connected through the linkage mechanism, allowing simplified folding operations while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism comprising a support bar, slider, and frame link is introduced as an intermediary between the leg frames and handle frame. This intermediary mechanism coordinates the movement of multiple frame segments, transforming a complex multi-joint folding operation into a simpler single-action operation for the user
2Volume of moving object
If the stroller is designed to fold compactly, then storage volume is reduced, but the stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism provides dynamic adaptation: during unfolded use, the mechanism maintains the frame in a stable open configuration; during folding, the same mechanism enables compact consolidation. The system transitions between states while maintaining stability in each state through the coordinated movement of the support bar, slider, and frame link
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the frame configuration are changed through the linkage mechanism. The support bar and frame link adjust the relative positions and angles of the leg frames and handle frame, enabling transformation from an extended stable configuration to a compact folded configuration while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transition
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
Enables easy and efficient folding and unfolding of the stroller, enhancing convenience and reducing the volume for storage, while maintaining stability and safety during use.
Implementation Method 1
The third side segment is pivotally connected to the first side segment via an articulation
Implementation Method 2
The support bar is respectively connected pivotally to the first side segment and the second side segment
Implementation Method 3
the slider is coupled to the seat assembly and is slidably connected to the support bar, and the frame link is pivotally connected to the slider, the slider sliding along the support bar during folding and unfolding of the child stroller apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A child stroller apparatus (100) includes a first leg frame (102) having a first side segment (102A), a second leg frame (104) having a second side segment (104A), a handle frame (106) having a third side segment (106A), a seat assembly (108) coupled to the first side segment (102A), and a linkage (110) including a support bar (132), a slider (134) and a frame link (136). The third side segment (106A) is respectively connected pivotally to the first side segment (102A) and the second side segment (104A), wherein the third side segment (106A) is pivotally connected to the first side segment (102A) via an articulation (114). The support bar (132) is respectively connected pivotally to the first side segment (102A) and the second side segment (104A), the slider (134) is coupled to the seat assembly (108) and is slidably connected to the support bar (132), and the frame link (136) is pivotally connected to the slider (134), the slider (134) sliding along the support bar (132) during folding and unfolding of the child stroller apparatus (100).