Foldable Stroller Frame Single-Handed Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strollers require both hands to fold, making it inconvenient for users to manage a toddler while folding the stroller, especially when the child is not yet walking or standing independently.
Innovation Solution
A foldable stroller frame design featuring two opposite side frame units with a foldable connection unit, including hollow front and rear bottom rods that can be operated by pushing or pulling a connecting seat to unfold or fold the stroller using only one hand, allowing the side frame units to move radially away or towards each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional stroller folding structure is used, then the stroller can be folded into a compact state for storage, but it requires both hands to operate the folding structure, making it inconvenient when a toddler needs to be held
Solution Approach 1:
The folding structure is designed to be self-operating through a mechanical linkage system. When the user pulls or pushes the connecting seat, the bottom rods automatically transmit this force to pivot the side frame units, enabling the stroller to fold and unfold without requiring manual manipulation of complex folding mechanisms while holding the toddler
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom rods serve as intermediary elements that transmit the user's input force from the connecting seat to the side frame units. This mechanical transmission system converts simple linear motion (pulling/pushing the seat) into the coordinated pivoting motion needed for folding, eliminating the need for direct manual operation of the folding joints
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stroller frame is designed with fixed side frame units, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot be folded into a compact state for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The side frame units are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to pivot between fixed and folded positions. The bottom rods provide a mechanical linkage that enables controlled movement, transforming the static frame into a dynamic structure that can adapt between unfolded (for use) and folded (for storage) states
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into independent side frame units that can move relative to each other. Each side frame unit includes separate legs and connection points that allow individual pivoting motion, enabling the overall structure to fold compactly while maintaining structural integrity during the transition
3Ease of operation
If manual folding operation is required, then the folding mechanism can be simple, but it creates a safety concern when the toddler needs to be held and the user must focus on folding
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system performs the folding action automatically once initiated. The bottom rods transmit force and coordinate the pivoting of multiple frame components, ensuring reliable and consistent folding behavior without requiring the user to manually control each movement while distracted by holding the toddler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
AI summary
A foldable stroller frame (100) includes a connection unit (2, 2') interconnecting two opposite foldable side frame units (1), each of which includes a front leg (11) and a handle rod (13) connected pivotally to each other, and a rear leg (12) connected pivotally to the handle rod (13). The connection unit (2, 2') includes four bottom rods (22, 23) each having a first end (221, 231) connected pivotally to a connecting seat (21, 21'), and a second end (222, 232) connected pivotally to a respective one of the front and rear legs (11, 12) of the side frame units (1). When the connecting seat (21, 21') is pulled upwardly from a lower used position, the second ends (222, 232) of the bottom rods (22, 23) move radially toward each other, whereby the side frame units (1) are folded and move toward each other.