Stroller Handle Frame Latching for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child stroller frames that allow multiple seating configurations often fail to fold compactly, making them cumbersome to store and transport, which discourages parents from purchasing them.
Innovation Solution
A child stroller apparatus with a rear leg frame, front leg frame, and handle frame that includes a latching mechanism and linking part, allowing the handle frame to rotate relative to the leg frames for easy folding and unfolding, and a grip portion that can be locked and unlocked to facilitate compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stroller frame is designed to allow multiple seating configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases and it becomes more difficult to fold compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The handle frame is divided into separate segments (first side segment, second side segment, third side segment) that can independently rotate and fold relative to each other. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve multiple configurations while maintaining a manageable folding mechanism for each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple rotatable joints and hinges that allow the frame segments to dynamically change their relative positions. The first joint allows rotation between the first and second side segments, while the second joint enables rotation between the second and third side segments, creating a dynamic structure that can adapt to different seating configurations and fold compactly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle frame includes multiple rotatable joints for versatility, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex folding/unfolding procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the locking surface when the handle frame is in the extended configuration. This preliminary positioning ensures that the frame segments are automatically secured without requiring additional manual operations, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining multiple configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism automatically latches onto the locking surface when the handle frame segments are extended, and automatically unlatches when the release mechanism is actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual locking procedures, allowing users to easily transition between folded and extended states while maintaining versatility.
3Strength
If the grip portion is fixed to maintain structural stability, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation worsens as it cannot be folded for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion is connected to the third side segment through a second joint that allows rotation between these components. This dynamic connection enables the grip portion to rotate relative to the third side segment, allowing the handle frame to fold into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural stability when extended through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage with a locking surface on the grip portion or third side segment when the handle frame is extended, preliminarily securing the structural stability before any folding operation. This ensures that the structural integrity is maintained during use, while the same latch can be easily released to enable folding when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A child stroller apparatus includes a rear and a front leg frame respectively having a first and a second side segment, a handle frame having a grip portion and a third side segment respectively connected fixedly with a first and a second joining part that are pivotally connected with each other, a latching mechanism for locking the rear and front leg frames and the handle frame in an unfolded state, and a latch carried with the third side segment. The latch can engage and disengage the first joining part to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment. Moreover, a linking part couples the latch to the rear leg frame or the front leg frame so that a folding rotation of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame causes the latch to disengage from the first joining part.