Stroller Frame Force Sensor Motor Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized strollers are considered user-unfriendly and complex, lacking intuitive control mechanisms for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A stroller frame equipped with an electric motor, a pusher bar, and a force sensor device that detects the direction and amount of force applied, allowing for internal or external control of the motor assistance, enabling intuitive and convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor assistance is added to stroller, then pushing comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with a force sensor device that electronically detects pushing force characteristics. The sensor device measures force direction and amount, and a control unit processes this data to activate the motor, substituting mechanical linkages and switches with electronic sensing and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller system automatically detects the user's pushing intent through the force sensor device and autonomously activates motor assistance without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring force characteristics and adjusting motor support accordingly, making operation intuitive and automatic.
2Measurement precision
If force sensor device is added to detect pushing force, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor device serves multiple functions: it detects pushing force magnitude, determines force direction (forward/backward, left/right), and provides input for motor control activation. This multi-functional sensor reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms for each parameter, consolidating sensing capabilities into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes raw force sensor data and translates it into motor control commands. This intermediate processing layer simplifies the connection between the sensor device and motor system, managing the complexity of force interpretation and motor activation logic within a dedicated control module.
3Volume of moving object
If motor is mounted on axle between wheels, then space utilization is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is segmented into modular components: the motor unit mounted on the axle, the force sensor device integrated into the pusher bar, and the control unit as a separate module. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the final stroller system, improving overall manufacturability despite the compact motor placement.
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 solution provides a user-friendly and easily producible stroller frame with improved pushing comfort and control, allowing for efficient motor assistance without complex mechanisms, enhancing operational simplicity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor device (11) is provided which detects either the direction or the amount (or both) of a force and/or a force component
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller frame, comprising at least one motor, particularly an electric motor, for assisted driving of the stroller frame, a pusher bar for pushing the stroller frame and at least one force sensor device for detecting a direction and/or an amount of force and/or a force component acting on the pusher bar, and/or for detecting a value derived from said force or force component, particularly a temporal change of the force or force component.