Foldable Stroller Frame Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable stroller frames have complex structures and increased weight due to the need for additional linking units to facilitate folding, which complicates the design and makes them heavier.
Innovation Solution
A foldable stroller frame design featuring two opposite foldable side frame units interconnected by a foldable middle support, with a handle rod and legs that include a connecting slider allowing the handle rod to slide co-slidably on the second leg, eliminating the need for a four-bar linkage structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extra linking units are added to enable folding, then the stroller frame becomes foldable, but the structure becomes more complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional four-bar linkage mechanism from the stroller frame design. Instead of using separate linking units to connect the handle rod and legs, the invention integrates the folding function directly into the leg structure through sliding connections, thereby eliminating unnecessary components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining foldability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sliding connections between the handle rod and legs, allowing dynamic movement and adjustment. The connecting slider enables the handle rod to slide along the leg during folding and extension operations, providing smooth transitions between folded and extended states without requiring complex mechanical linkages
2Adaptability or versatility
If extra linking units are added to enable folding, then the stroller frame becomes foldable, but the weight of the stroller frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the traditional four-bar linkage units from the design, the patent significantly reduces the overall weight of the stroller frame. The simplified structure using direct sliding connections eliminates the need for additional linking bars, pivots, and associated hardware that would add unnecessary weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes sliding connections that allow for flexible movement between components. The connecting slider mechanism provides the necessary flexibility for folding operations without requiring rigid linking units, thereby reducing weight while maintaining functional adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If four-bar linkage structure is used, then the stroller frame is foldable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly removes the four-bar linkage structure from the design, replacing it with a simpler sliding connection system. This extraction of the complex linkage mechanism eliminates multiple moving parts, pivots, and connecting elements, resulting in a much simpler overall structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical four-bar linkage with dynamic sliding connections. The connecting slider allows the handle rod to move relative to the leg through simple linear motion, achieving the same folding functionality without the complexity of rotational joints and linkage geometry required in traditional four-bar mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable stroller frame includes: two opposite foldable side frame units; and a foldable middle support interconnecting the side frame units. Each of the side frame units includes a handle rod, a first leg pivoted to the handle rod and adapted to be connected to a first stroller wheel, a second leg pivoted to the first leg and adapted to be connected to a second stroller wheel, and a connecting slider mounted slidably on the second leg. The handle rod has a lower end portion pivoted to the connecting slider so as to be co-slidable with the connecting slider on the second leg.