Stroller Latch and Wheel Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable strollers face challenges in achieving compactness and ease of deployment, particularly in coordinating the folding of legs and handle extensions, and optimizing swivel wheel positioning for upright folding with one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
The stroller design incorporates interconnected folding mechanisms that synchronize the movement of front wheel supports, rear wheel supports, and handle supports, along with articulated links and a swivel wheel positioning mechanism using a ramped cam and spring-loaded plunger, allowing for coordinated folding and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be folded, but the coordination of leg and handle extension folding is complex and difficult to operate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding control of legs and handle extensions into a single integrated mechanism. The common rail assembly serves as a shared component that coordinates the folding motion of both the leg support assembly and handle extension assembly, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining mechanical coordination between multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary component that controls the folding operation. When engaged, it locks the common rail assembly in the deployed position; when disengaged by the user, it allows the coordinated folding motion to occur. This intermediary mechanism simplifies user interaction while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple folding components.
2Volume of moving object
If swivel wheels are positioned for standard operation, then the stroller is stable during use, but the folded stroller is not compact and cannot stand upright
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel wheel positioning mechanism dynamically adjusts wheel position based on stroller configuration. During deployment, the mechanism allows wheels to assume a position optimized for stable operation; during folding, the mechanism automatically repositions wheels to achieve compact storage and upright stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between operational stability and folded compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism preliminarily positions the swivel wheels in the correct orientation before the folding operation is complete. As the stroller begins to fold, the wheel positioning mechanism pre-adjusts the wheels to the compact position, ensuring that by the time folding is complete, the wheels are already in the optimal position for both compactness and upright stability, facilitating easy deployment when reversed.
3Ease of operation
If the stroller is designed for one-handed operation, then ease of use is improved, but the mechanism for releasing latch and coordinating folding becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly handle serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for releasing the latch, serves as a structural component of the handle extension assembly, and provides a pivot point for the folding motion. This multi-functionality allows one-handed operation without adding excessive complexity, as the same component performs multiple roles in the folding and latching system.
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 a stroller that can be easily folded and deployed with one-handed operation, maintaining compactness and stability in the folded position, with swivel wheels positioned for maximum compactness and stability.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-load plunger interacting with the cam orients the direction of the front wheel to a desired swivel (angular) position when engaged.
Implementation Method 2
A ramped cam symmetrically oriented around the swivel connection is connected to the front wheel for swivel motion therewith.
Implementation Method 3
A pull link connecting the plunger and the slider is tensioned when the stroller is deployed, preventing the plunger from contacting the cam, thereby allowing the front wheel to swivel freely.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable frame for a stroller having front and rear legs with wheels disposed at the ends thereof and a handle support joined at a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism synchronizes motion of the front leg and handle to collapse them adjacent to the rear leg. The mechanism also actuates a swivel mechanism on a front wheel that swivels the front wheel to a predetermined position optimized to allow the stroller to be supported by the wheels when folded.