One-Handed Stroller Folding via Integrated Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child stroller designs are inconvenient to fold and unfold, requiring caregivers to use one hand for unlocking latches and another for grasping the frame, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A child stroller apparatus with a handle and release actuator integrated near the joining part, allowing a caregiver to easily fold and unfold the stroller using one hand by disengaging the latch from the linkage assembly via a release actuator, which is operatively connected to the latch for locking and unlocking the stroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple joint structures with latch mechanisms are dispersed at different locations on the stroller frame, then the stroller can be securely locked in the unfolded state, but the stroller becomes inconvenient to fold as caregivers need to use one hand for unlocking and another for grasping the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch mechanisms into a single integrated latch mechanism located at the joining part where the handle frame connects to the leg frames. This single latch mechanism simultaneously secures both left and right side joint structures, eliminating the need for separate latches at multiple locations while maintaining secure locking reliability and enabling easy one-handed operation for folding.
2Strength
If the latch mechanism is located away from the handle, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the stroller requires two hands for operation (one for unlocking latch, one for grasping frame)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the latch mechanism directly into the joining part where the handle frame connects to the leg frames. This integration allows the latch to be positioned at the structurally critical joining point, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the caregiver to operate the latch with one hand at the handle location, eliminating the need for a second hand to grasp the frame.
3Ease of operation
If a release actuator is integrated with the handle at the joining part, then one-handed folding operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the release actuator directly with the latch mechanism at the joining part, forming a unified assembly. This integration allows the caregiver to operate the release actuator with one hand at the handle location, enabling convenient one-handed folding. The actuator and latch are designed as connected components that work together as a single system, reducing the need for separate control elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A child stroller apparatus (100) includes a handle frame (1) having a first side segment (11), a first leg frame (2) having a second side segment (21), a second leg frame (3), a linkage assembly (40) connected with the handle frame (1) and the second leg frame (3), and a latching mechanism. The second side segment (21) is connected with a joining part (22), and the first side segment (11) is connected pivotally with the joining part (22). Moreover, a handle (223) is disposed adjacent to the joining part (22) and connected with the joining part (22). The latching mechanism includes a latch (92) assembled with the second side segment (21), and a release actuator (90) assembled adjacent to the handle (223) and operatively connected with the latch (92). The latch (92) can engage with the linkage assembly (40) for locking the child stroller apparatus (100) in an unfolded state, and the release actuator (90) is operable to urge the latch (92) to disengage from the linkage assembly (40) for folding the child stroller apparatus (100).