Stroller Frame Folding Mechanism for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stroller frames are difficult to convert from a driving to a transport position and often require a single non-use state, making them cumbersome for users, especially in terms of space requirements when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A stroller frame design featuring rear and front wheels connected via stabilizing struts around a central axis, allowing for easy conversion between driving, transport, and parking positions, with a locking mechanism to maintain stability and compactness, and a switching unit for simple operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the stroller frame is designed with a single non-use folded state, then the space requirement is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult conversion and cumbersome handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidease of conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stroller frame incorporates a dynamic folding mechanism with multiple stable positions (driving position, intermediate parking position, and folded transport position) rather than a single static folded state. The stabilizing struts can be locked at different angles via the switching unit, allowing the frame to adapt its configuration dynamically based on operational needs while maintaining ease of conversion between positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the stroller frame is folded completely for transport, then the space requirement is minimized, but the stability deteriorates as the frame cannot stand independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is segmented into distinct stable positions: a driving position with stabilizing struts in a first angular relationship, an intermediate parking position with struts in a second angular relationship, and a folded transport position. Each position provides different stability characteristics, allowing the frame to stand independently in the driving and intermediate positions while being compact in the folded position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stabilizing struts are locked in the driving position, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to convert to folded position

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit serves multiple functions: it locks the stabilizing struts in the driving position for stability during use, enables conversion to the intermediate parking position for temporary stopping, and facilitates folding to the transport position for compact storage. This multi-functional locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed while enabling easy conversion when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2957479B1Pram chassis and pram
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 CYBEX GMBH
  • EP2957479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2957479B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP2957479B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a stroller frame (1), in particular a children's sports stroller frame, buggy frame or similar vehicle frame for children, with two rear wheels (3, 3') and at least one front wheel (7, 7'), as well as with a push bar (17) for moving the stroller frame (1), and with fastening means (35) for attaching a stroller attachment (49), wherein the rear wheels (3, 3') and the at least one front wheel (7, 7') respectively.whose pivot axes (5, 9) are each pivotally connected to one or more rear (39) and front (37) stabilizing struts around a central axis (33) extending approximately parallel to the common pivot axis (5) of the rear wheels (3, 3') in such a way that they can be folded from a spread-apart driving position into a fully folded transport position and vice versa, and can be locked into at least one further position, in particular a parking position, between these two positions, as well as a stroller with such a stroller frame.