Foldable Stroller Frame Linkage Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional baby stroller frames are complicated and difficult to fold due to intricate linkage mechanisms, making them awkward to handle and assemble.

Innovation Solution

A foldable baby stroller design where a sliding sleeve on the handle bar drives the linking rod to rotate, causing the rear support to fold towards the front support, facilitated by a locking mechanism that is disengaged by a releasing device, allowing for easy expansion and collapse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional linkage mechanism is used to enable the stroller to fold, then the stroller can be collapsed for saving space, but the mechanism becomes complicated and difficult to handle during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex multi-component linkage mechanism from the stroller design. Instead, it uses a simplified structure where the handle bar directly telescopes within the sliding sleeve, eliminating the need for intricate linkages while preserving the folding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle bar serves multiple functions: it provides the telescoping motion for folding, acts as the primary support structure, and integrates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional linkage mechanism is used to enable the stroller to fold, then the stroller can be collapsed for saving space, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the complex linkage mechanism, the patent eliminates numerous assembly steps and components that would require time-consuming alignment and fastening operations. The simplified telescoping structure can be assembled more quickly with fewer parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is used to secure the stroller in expanded state, then structural stability is improved, but the mechanism for releasing and locking becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the telescoping motion of the handle bar. The structure itself provides the locking action through its geometry and movement, eliminating the need for separate complex locking components while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1783028B1Foldable baby stroller
Publication Date: 2009.12.02 LINK TREASURE LTD
  • EP1783028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1783028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1783028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A foldable baby stroller frame (10), comprising simplified rods assembly for expanding and folding via linkage, includes a front support (4), a linking rod (7) and a rear support (6), wherein the front support pivots to the rear support. One end of the front support is connected to a sliding sleeve (5) for driving the handle bar, and the linking rod is pivotally connected between the handle bar and the rear support. Via the simple linkage, the sliding sleeve slides down and further drives the linking rod for rotation, in which the rear support is drawn close to the front support to be in a folded state. The simplified structure of the stroller has the effect of easy assembly and smoothly operation.