Stroller Latch Mechanism for One-Handed Folding and Upright Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child stroller apparatuses are not conveniently designed for easy folding and storage, lacking a mechanism that allows for safe upright standing and one-handed carrying in collapsed states.
Innovation Solution
A child stroller apparatus with a first leg frame, second leg frame, handle, and latch element, where the latch element moves between locked and unlocked positions to hold the frames in a deployed state and facilitate rotation for collapsing, utilizing pivot connections and locking grooves to secure the stroller in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stroller apparatus is designed with a simple folding mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to insufficient locking security
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated component that simultaneously engages with both the first and second coupling elements, providing secure locking while maintaining simple operation through a single actuating motion
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are divided into multiple engagement points (first coupling element on first leg frame, second coupling element on second leg frame) that work together with the latch element to provide distributed locking security across the folding mechanism
2Reliability
If the stroller apparatus uses a complex locking mechanism to ensure security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element automatically engages with the coupling elements when the stroller is folded and automatically disengages when the user actuates it, eliminating the need for complex multi-step locking procedures while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element serves multiple functions: it locks the stroller in the folded position, allows easy release for unfolding, and works with both coupling elements simultaneously, reducing the need for separate locking mechanisms for different parts of the structure
3Ease of operation
If the stroller apparatus is designed for upright standing in collapsed state, then ease of storage is improved, but stability is worsened without proper locking
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is positioned and configured to automatically engage with the coupling elements before the stroller completes its folding motion, ensuring that the locking action occurs in advance to secure the upright standing position and prevent accidental collapse
Data Source
AI summary
A child stroller apparatus (100) includes first (110) and second (112) leg frames, a handle (114) and a latch element (176). The first leg frame (110) includes a first side segment (110A) affixed with a first coupling element (132). The second leg frame (112) includes a second side segment (112A) affixed with a second coupling element (134) that is pivotally connected with the first coupling element about a first pivot axis (X1). The handle includes a third side segment (114A) affixed with a third coupling element (136) that is pivotally connected with the first coupling element about a second pivot axis (X2). The latch element (176) is operable to move between a locked position where the latch element locks the first, second and third coupling elements together to hold the handle and the first and second leg frames in a deployed state, and an unlocked position to allow relative rotations between the handle and the first and second leg frames to collapse the stroller apparatus.