Infant Stroller Joint Structure with Dual Release Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infant stroller apparatuses have complex and non-compact folding mechanisms, making them inconvenient to collapse and store, especially when a seat is installed.
Innovation Solution
The infant stroller apparatus features a joint structure with a latch assembly and release actuators on both the stroller frame and detachable seat, allowing for independent folding with or without the seat installed, using a system of coupling hubs, latching parts, and release actuators to unlock the joint structure for easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be collapsed, but the mechanism is complex and not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The release actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a first release mechanism integrated into the stroller frame and a second release mechanism integrated into the detachable seat. Each segment independently controls the latch assembly, allowing the folding operation to be performed from either location depending on whether the seat is attached. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the folding function across multiple simple access points rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly serves multiple functions: it locks the leg segment and handle segment in the extended configuration, and it can be released from two different locations (stroller frame and detachable seat). The universal design of the latch assembly allows it to respond to release inputs from either the first release mechanism or the second release mechanism, simplifying the overall folding mechanism while maintaining ease of operation whether the seat is attached or detached.
2Ease of operation
If a single release mechanism is used, then the structure is simpler, but the stroller cannot be conveniently folded when seat is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the two release mechanisms (first release mechanism on stroller frame, second release mechanism on detachable seat) and the joint structure. When either release mechanism is activated, it transmits the release input through the latch assembly, which then unlocks the joint structure to enable folding. This intermediary design allows convenient folding with seat installed without requiring direct mechanical connection between both release mechanisms, thus managing complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first release mechanism and second release mechanism are merged through their common interaction with the latch assembly. Both release mechanisms converge on the same latch assembly, which consolidates the folding control function. This merging approach allows the system to provide dual access points for folding (improving ease of operation with seat installed) while avoiding the complexity of two independent folding systems, as both mechanisms work through the unified latch assembly to achieve the same result.
3Ease of operation
If complex folding mechanisms are used, then folding capability is achieved, but storage and transport convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from a single centralized location and distributed to two separate access points: the first release mechanism on the stroller frame and the second release mechanism on the detachable seat. This extraction allows users to initiate the folding sequence from the most convenient location depending on whether the seat is attached, significantly improving storage and transport convenience. The complexity is reduced because each release mechanism is simple and localized, eliminating the need for complex coordinated mechanisms while achieving the same folding capability.
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
Enables convenient and compact folding of the stroller with or without the seat, improving user experience by providing two separate release mechanisms for the stroller frame and the detachable seat, facilitating storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The joint structure includes a first coupling hub and a second coupling hub pivotally connected with each other about a rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
An infant stroller apparatus (100) includes a leg segment (102A) and a handle segment (106A), a joint structure (116) including a first and a second coupling hubs (120, 124) that are respectively affixed with the leg segment (102A) and the handle segment (106A) and are pivotally connected with each other, a mount portion (140) connected with the joint structure (116), a latch assembly (127) having an actuation surface (130B) and arranged in the two coupling hubs, and a detachable seat (108) having a connector (152) and a release actuator (154) arranged adjacent to each other. The latch assembly (127) is movable between a first and a second position for respectively locking and unlocking the leg segment (102A) and the handle segment (106A). The release actuator (154) of the detachable seat (108) can push against the actuation surface (130) for driving an unlocking displacement of the latch assembly (127) when the seat is installed on the mount portion (140).