Stroller Handle Folding Mechanism with Elastic Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle folding mechanisms for strollers are complex, costly, and lack structural stability and safety due to their reliance on gear pairs and multiple components, which complicates assembly and reduces user safety.
Innovation Solution
A handle folding mechanism featuring a tubular casing, press block, unlocking piece, and engaging piece with an elasticity restoring component, where the unlocking piece automatically returns to fold the handle, reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly, while ensuring stability and safety through a separate design for unlocking and locking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If gear pairs are used in the lateral folding mechanism, then the handle can be folded laterally to reduce volume, but the structure becomes complicated and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear pair components from the folding mechanism and replaces them with a direct cable-pulley system. The cable is directly connected to the locking pin, eliminating the need for intermediate gear components, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining the lateral folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element to transmit force from the pulling rope to the locking pin, replacing the complex gear transmission system. This cable-mediated approach simplifies the mechanical structure while achieving the same folding function.
2Device complexity
If a central grip device is used in the handle folding mechanism, then the structure is compact, but the grip on connecting components is limited and structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the handle into multiple independent connecting components (first connecting component and second connecting component) that can be independently locked and unlocked. Each connecting component has its own locking mechanism, providing distributed structural support and improved stability compared to a centralized grip device.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the folding mechanism, then the locking function is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The locking pin serves both as a locking mechanism and a structural connector, while the cable serves both as a tension element and a force transmission medium. This merging of functions reduces the total component count and simplifies assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical lock, a structural support element, and a force transmission point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall complexity and assembly difficulty.
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 mechanism achieves a simple, cost-effective, and safe folding process with reduced component complexity, enhancing structural stability and safety by utilizing an unlocking piece that automatically returns under its own elasticity, allowing for easy operation and minimizing handle volume.
Implementation Method 1
The unlocking piece has a fixing part fixed in the casing. The fixing part is disposed with a free end extending between a rear end of the press block and a front end of the engaging piece to push the press block backward. The free end of the unlocking piece is adapted for being pushed by the press block so that the unlocking piece is elastically deformed.
Implementation Method 2
Before and after releasing an external force, the engaging piece and the press block are respectively restored to original states under an action of an elasticity restoring force, and the intermediate component is then adapted for being pushed forward to fold a handle.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handle folding mechanism, a three-fold handle (48) employing the folding mechanism, and a trolley having the same. The folding mechanism includes an intermediate component (1) and a pair of connecting components (2). The intermediate component (1) includes a tubular casing (11), a press block (12), and an unlocking piece (13). A rear part of the press block (12) passes through a front surface of the casing (11) to extend into the casing (11), and is movable back and forth. The connecting component (2) includes a tubular housing (21) and an engaging piece (22). The engaging piece (22) is slidably mounted in the housing (21). In a locked state, a front end of the engaging piece (22) penetrates into the casing (11). The unlocking piece (13) has a fixing part, and the fixing part is disposed with a free end extending between a rear end of the press block (12) and the front end of the engaging piece (22).