Stroller Folding Mechanism With Linked Leg Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strollers are not lightweight, difficult to fold compactly, and have complex folding mechanisms, making them cumbersome for transportation and storage, especially in public transportation.
Innovation Solution
A stroller design with a handle assembly and locking mechanism that allows for easy and compact folding by rotating the handle assembly relative to the front leg, using a linking component to drive the rear leg into a corresponding pivoting direction, and engaging components to restrain movement, facilitated by a resilient component to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stroller structures are used, then the stroller provides basic functionality, but the stroller is heavy and difficult to fold compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller structure is divided into distinct segments: handle assembly, front leg assembly, rear leg assembly, and seat assembly. Each segment can be independently folded and positioned, allowing the entire stroller to be collapsed into a compact form. The handle assembly includes a first portion and second portion that can rotate relative to each other, creating modular folding sections that reduce overall weight while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller employs dynamic folding mechanisms with multiple rotation joints and pivoting connections. The handle assembly can rotate between extended and folded positions, the front leg assembly can pivot relative to the rear leg assembly, and the seat assembly can be adjusted. These dynamic elements allow the stroller to transition between operational and compact states without requiring heavy fixed structures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be folded, but the folding sequence is complicated and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding functions are merged into integrated assemblies. The handle assembly combines both the steering mechanism and folding mechanism into a single unit that rotates about a common pivot point. The front leg assembly merges the wheel mounting, shock absorption, and folding functions into one coordinated structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate operations needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the handle assembly. When the handle is rotated to the folded position, the locking component automatically locks the folding joints without requiring separate manual locking actions. Similarly, unfolding automatically releases the locks. This self-service feature eliminates complex multi-step manual locking procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If the stroller is designed for compact folding, then space is reduced for transportation, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller employs a nested folding structure where the handle assembly folds within the frame structure, the front leg assembly nests within the rear leg assembly, and the seat assembly folds within the overall frame. This nested arrangement achieves maximum compactness while maintaining structural integrity through concentric folding layers that support each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking components are pre-positioned along the folding paths of various assemblies. As each assembly is folded to its compact position, the corresponding locking component is automatically aligned and engaged, securing the folded structure before the next folding action occurs. This preliminary positioning of locking mechanisms ensures that each folded segment is stabilized before subsequent folding operations, maintaining overall structural stability throughout the folding process.
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller includes a front leg, a rear leg rotatably connected to the front leg, a handle assembly and a locking component. The handle assembly is rotatably connected to one of the front leg and the rear leg. The locking component is movably disposed on the handle assembly. The locking component can be driven to disengage from the one of the front leg and the rear leg for allowing the rotating movement of the handle assembly during a rotating movement of an upper handle portion of the handle assembly. Furthermore, the rotating movement of the handle assembly can drive the other one of the front leg and the rear leg to rotate. Therefore, the entire stroller is allowed to be folded easily and compactly by disengaging the locking component and then rotating the handle assembly, which brings convenience in use.