Stroller Folding Frame Actuation and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding frames for strollers and baby carriages face difficulties in transitioning between the open and closed conditions, requiring complex mechanisms and being less compact and reliable.
Innovation Solution
A folding frame design with a lower framework featuring movable rear posts on a rotary axis, a handle tube connected via a kinematic linkage and tension members, and an actuation device with multiple articulation axes, allowing for a compact and reliable folding mechanism facilitated by an interconnection device and locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking means are used to secure the frame in open condition, then the frame can be locked reliably, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the actuation mechanism itself. The actuation grip serves dual purposes: it actuates the folding mechanism and simultaneously engages/disengages the locking function through the same motion path, eliminating separate locking components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation grip is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both actuation and locking functions. By integrating these two functions into a single component and motion sequence, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable frame locking during operation.
2Ease of operation
If complex linkage and tension members are used to achieve folding motion, then the folding mechanism can transition between states, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the folding motion into distinct phases: the rear post performs rotary motion about a first articulation axis, while the handle tube performs translational motion along a trajectory with components parallel to the front post. This segmentation allows each component to execute a simpler, more intuitive motion rather than requiring complex coupled movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple articulation axes (first and second parallel axes) to enable the mechanism to operate in multiple dimensions. The rear post rotates about the first axis while the handle tube moves along a three-dimensional trajectory, allowing complex folding transitions to be achieved through coordinated motion in different spatial dimensions rather than through complex planar linkages.
3Volume of moving object
If the handle tube moves with combined rotary and translational motion, then the frame can close compactly, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic motion where the handle tube's trajectory is not fixed but adapts during the folding process. The handle tube moves along a trajectory that has components both parallel and perpendicular to the front post, allowing the mechanism to dynamically adjust its configuration to achieve compact closure without requiring complex mechanical guides or constraints.
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
The design enhances the ease and reliability of folding, achieving a more compact and user-friendly mechanism that simplifies the transition between open and closed states, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lower tension member which connects the one or more rear posts to the one or more front posts
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding frame (1) for strollers, baby carriages or the like, comprising a lower framework (2) provided with at least one front post (2a) and at least one rear post (2b) which are connected in a lower region to respective wheel assemblies (3a, 3b), the at least one rear post (2b) being movable on command, with respect to the at least one front post (2a), with a rotary motion about a first articulation axis (101) which is substantially transverse to the direction of longitudinal extension (100) of the folding frame (1) during the transition of the folding frame (1) from an extended open condition to a collapsed closed condition and vice versa; the lower framework (2) is connected kinematically to at least one handle tube (4) which forms at least one grip (5) and can move with respect to the at least one front post (2a) along a movement trajectory that has at least one component that is parallel to the main direction of extension of the front post (2a), in order to move between an active condition, in which the grip (5) is arranged so as to be spaced and upward with respect to the end portion of the lower framework (2) during use, and an inactive condition, in which the grip (5) is arranged closer to the end portion of the lower framework (2) during use, a connecting tension member (6) being arranged between the rear post (2b) and the handle tube (4); the at least one rear post (2b) supports an actuation device (10) which has an actuation grip (11) which is connected to an actuation portion (11b) which can move on command between a first position and a second position and vice versa along an actuation trajectory (200), the actuation device (10) being hinged, about a second articulation axis (102) that is parallel to the first articulation axis (101), to at least one interconnection device (12) which is supported so that it can rotate about a third articulation axis (103) which is parallel to the first and second articulation axes (101, 102) by the front post (2a); as a consequence of the transition of the actuation grip (11) between a first position and a second position, the frame (1) being adapted to pass between an extended position, in which the respective front and rear posts (2a, 2b) are kept angularly spaced, and a folded position, in which the respective front and rear posts (2a, 2b) are kept angularly closer, at least one device for locking the folding frame (1) in the extended condition being provided.