Stroller Frame Folding Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strollers have complex folding mechanisms, large folded sizes, and high production costs, making them inconvenient for daily storage and carrying.
Innovation Solution
A stroller with a novel frame structure and folding mechanism featuring a four-bar linkage and crank slider mechanisms, allowing for one-step unfolding and folding with a compact, flat folded design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional stroller frame structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the folded size becomes large and the number of rod pieces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller frame is divided into functional modules: front support assembly, rear support assembly, connecting rods, and transverse braces. Each module serves multiple functions - for example, the front support both bears weight and enables folding motion, reducing the need for separate structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows rod pieces to nest within each other during folding. The front support and rear support rotate relative to each other, enabling the frame to collapse into a compact configuration where components occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing folded dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If complex folding mechanisms are used, then folded size is reduced, but the folding operation becomes cumbersome and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding actions are merged into a single rotational motion. When the user rotates the front support relative to the rear support, this single action simultaneously triggers the folding of connecting rods, transverse braces, and wheel assemblies, achieving complete folding in one step rather than requiring sequential manipulation of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism employs dynamic geometric relationships where rod lengths and connection points are designed to automatically guide the folding sequence. As the front support rotates, the connecting rods and transverse braces naturally follow predetermined paths, enabling smooth one-step folding without requiring the user to manually manipulate multiple joints or locks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple rod pieces are used, then structural stability is maintained, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each rod piece is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the front support serves as both a structural load-bearing element and a folding actuator; the connecting rods provide both structural support and guide the folding motion. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, lowering production costs while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller frame employs asymmetric rod configurations optimized for specific functions. Rather than using identical symmetric rods throughout, different rod pieces are strategically designed with varying lengths, connection points, and orientations to achieve both structural stability and compact folding capability, reducing material waste and manufacturing complexity.
4Loss of time
If traditional folding structures are used, then folded size is reduced, but the stroller requires plurality of steps for folding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism utilizes dynamic geometric relationships where rod lengths and connection points are precisely designed to automatically guide the folding sequence. As the front support rotates, the connecting rods and transverse braces naturally follow predetermined paths, enabling smooth one-step folding without requiring the user to manually manipulate multiple joints or locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod pieces and connection joints are pre-configured during manufacturing with specific geometries and pivot points that automatically guide the folding motion. This preliminary design ensures that when folding is initiated, all components follow their predetermined paths, eliminating the need for sequential user actions and reducing folding time to a single motion.
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 stroller can be easily unfolded and folded by one hand, achieving a compact and neat folded state suitable for transportation and carrying, while maintaining structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
a four-bar linkage and crank slider mechanisms, allowing for one-step unfolding and folding
Implementation Method 2
a four-bar linkage and crank slider mechanisms, allowing for one-step unfolding and folding
Implementation Method 3
the side support on each side comprises a front support, a rear support, a push rod and an upper supporting rod each extending along an up-down direction, an upper portion of the front support and an upper portion of the rear support are pivotally connected with each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A stroller, comprises two side supports (100) respectively disposed on the left and right sides, and the side support (100) on each side comprises a front support (1), a rear support (2), a push rod (3), an upper support rod (4), an upper connecting rod (5), a rear connecting rod (6), a lower connecting rod (7), and a sliding member (8) disposed on the rear support (2) and capable of sliding up and down along the length extension direction of the rear support (2), wherein the rear connecting rod (6) is pivotally connected to the upper support rod (4), one end portion of the rear connecting rod (6) is pivotally connected with the sliding member (8), the other end portion of the rear connecting rod (6) is pivotally connected with a lower portion of the upper connecting rod (5), an upper portion of the upper connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to the push rod (3), one end portion of the lower connecting rod (7) is pivotally connected to the front support (1), and the other end portion of the lower connecting rod (7) is pivotally connected with the sliding member (8). When a stroller frame is folded, the sliding member (8) slides downwardly along the rear support (2), and the upper support rod (4) rotates backward and folds up on a rear side of the rear support (2). The stroller frame can be unfolded or folded by pressing or pulling the push rod (3) with one single hand, and the folded frame is flat and neat, and has a volume small enough for transportation and carrying.