Four-Bar Stroller Frame Locking for Safe Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stroller frames are complicated to fold, prone to accidental folding, and occupy a large area when folded, causing inconvenience and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A stroller frame with a four-bar linkage structure and a lock mechanism that allows flexible folding and locking, featuring a lock mechanism with an engaging member and elastic members to prevent accidental folding, and a brake mechanism to secure the frame in an expanded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stroller frame uses a conventional folding structure, then the frame can be folded for storage, but the folding operation is complicated and prone to accidental folding
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the lock mechanism with locking lever and locking surface, the release mechanism with release button, and the four-bar linkage structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall operation simpler and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is pre-configured with a locking lever that automatically engages with a locking surface when the stroller is expanded, providing automatic locking without requiring user action. The release mechanism is pre-positioned with a release button that, when pressed, initiates the folding sequence by disengaging the lock.
2Ease of operation
If the stroller frame is designed to be foldable, then storage is convenient, but the folded stroller occupies a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage structure allows the front leg to be folded upward and nested within the space defined by the handle and upper support member. The front wheel assembly is positioned to tuck into the frame structure during folding, minimizing the overall footprint of the folded stroller.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism uses dynamic movement of the four-bar linkage to transform the stroller from an expanded configuration to a compact folded configuration. The linkage allows smooth transitions between states, enabling the frame to collapse into a small package that is easy to carry and store.
3Reliability
If the lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental folding, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the four-bar linkage structure, using existing structural elements such as the upper support member, lower support member, and pivot joints as integral parts of the locking system. The locking lever is positioned to engage with the frame structure without requiring separate mounting components, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural movement of the four-bar linkage. When the stroller is expanded, the geometry of the linkage automatically positions the locking lever to engage with the locking surface, providing automatic locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
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 stroller frame that is easy to fold safely, occupies minimal space when folded, and prevents accidental folding, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member connected to the engaging member to provide an elastic force for the engaging member to engage with the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller frame includes a front leg, a bottom tube, a rear leg, an upper support member and a lower support member. The front leg, the bottom tube, the lower support member and the upper support member are pivotally connected to each other to form a four-bar linkage structure. The rear leg is connected to an end of the bottom tube. A lock mechanism is disposed at a pivot joint between the upper support member and the lower support member. The lock mechanism is able to lock the upper support member and the lower support member at an expanded angle, such that the front leg is able to be expanded with respect to the bottom tube. The lock mechanism is unlocked to release the upper support member and the lower support member, such that the front leg is able to be folded with respect to the bottom tube.