Collapsible Stroller Link Assembly Folding Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional strollers often have complex folding mechanisms that create pinch points and are difficult to fold and unfold, leading to weight and handling issues when folded.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible stroller design featuring a handle assembly, front leg assembly, and rear leg assembly pivotably connected, with a link assembly and biasing means such as torsion springs to facilitate easy folding and unfolding, and a locking mechanism for secure deployment, utilizing a centre-pull strap for releasing the handle and link assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be folded and collapsed, but pinch points are created where users can be pinched during folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidpinch points

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A link assembly acts as an intermediary component between the front and rear leg assemblies, coordinating their movement during folding and unfolding operations. This mediator ensures that components move in a controlled sequence, preventing direct contact that would create pinch points while maintaining the stroller's collapsible functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be folded and collapsed, but the mechanisms become difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidfolding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including torsion springs that automatically assist the folding and unfolding motions. These springs provide mechanical assistance that reduces the manual effort required, making the operation intuitive and easy while maintaining the ability to collapse the stroller into a compact configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex folding mechanisms are used, then the stroller can be folded and collapsed, but the stroller weight increases making it difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidstroller weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stroller is divided into segmented components including the handle assembly, front leg assembly, rear leg assembly, and link assembly that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining structural integrity and folding functionality, reducing the overall weight compared to a monolithic design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design enhances ease of use by reducing the risk of pinch points and simplifying the folding and unfolding process, while maintaining stability and support for passengers, making the stroller lighter and easier to handle when folded.

Implementation Method 1

a link assembly comprising a front member and a rear member pivotally connected to one another, wherein the front member is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the front leg assembly and the rear member is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the rear leg assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12162528B2Stroller

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 BRITAX CHILDCARE HONG KONG LTD

AI summary

A collapsible stroller comprising a handle assembly, a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly pivotably connected to one another such that the stroller is able to be moved between a folded configuration, where the front leg and handle assemblies are folded to positions substantially adjacent to the rear leg assembly, and an unfolded configuration, where the front leg and handle assemblies are unfolded to positions away from the rear leg assembly, and a link assembly comprising a front member and a rear member pivotally connected to one another, wherein the front member is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the front leg assembly and the rear member is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the rear leg assembly, such that when the stroller is moved to its folded configuration the front and rear members are folded toward each other to lie substantially adjacent to one another and the front and rear leg assemblies, and when the stroller is moved to its unfolded configuration the front and rear members are folded away from each other and the front and rear leg assemblies such that they are substantially coplanar with one another, and wherein the link assembly further comprises a biasing means for biasing the front and rear link members toward their unfolded positions.