Collapsible Stroller Linkage Assembly for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant strollers have a large volume when collapsed due to a single pivotal axis and lack side support elements, leading to instability and safety issues, as well as difficulties in storage and portability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible stroller design featuring a support frame with handle arms, leg tubes, and a linkage assembly that includes pivotally connected elements and a collapse actuator mechanism, allowing for a three-fold structure that reduces volume and enhances stability through multiple pivotal axes and side support brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pivotal axis is used for collapse, then the structure is simple, but the collapsed volume is large and portability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collapse function into multiple pivotal axes (first and second pivotal axes) instead of using a single axis. This segmentation allows the stroller frame to fold into a more compact configuration by enabling multi-directional folding movements, thereby reducing the collapsed volume while maintaining structural simplicity through modular hinge designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second pivotal axis that operates in a different dimensional plane than the first pivotal axis. This multi-dimensional approach to folding allows the stroller to collapse along multiple axes simultaneously, achieving a more compact form factor and improving portability without significantly increasing the complexity of the hinge mechanism.
2Device complexity
If no side support elements are provided, then the structure is simple, but stability is poor and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the side support function by adding separate side support elements (such as side bars or support legs) that are independently positioned at the rear of the stroller frame. These segmented support elements provide lateral stability and prevent the stroller from tipping over, addressing safety concerns while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular addition rather than complex integration.
3Device complexity
If a two-fold structure is used, then the collapse mechanism is simple, but storage convenience is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the folding mechanism into multiple independent pivotal axes with associated hinge structures. This segmentation enables a three-fold or multi-fold collapse pattern that achieves a more compact configuration, improving storage convenience while keeping each individual hinge mechanism simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic hinge structures that allow smooth, controlled folding movements along multiple axes. The hinge mechanisms are designed to guide the frame components through a coordinated folding sequence, making the collapse process intuitive and easy to operate while achieving a compact stored configuration that enhances storage convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible stroller comprises a support frame and a linkage assembly. The support frame includes handle arms, front and rear leg tubes, a seat board, and linking segments mounted at two sides of the seat board. The handle arms are pivotally connected with rear ends of the linking segments via first hinge structures, the front and rear leg tubes are pivotally connected with the front ends of the linking segments via second hinge structures. Wheels are also mounted at lower ends of the front and rear leg tubes. The linkage assembly includes support brackets and linkage tubes. The support brackets are above the linking segments and connected between the handle arms. The linkage tubes have middle portions pivotally connected with middle portions of the linking segments, and each of the linkage tubes has a first end pivotally connected with one associated support bracket, and a second end detachably locked with one associated rear leg tube.