Stroller Linkage Mechanism for Simultaneous Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strollers face inconvenience during folding due to interference between canopy, seat components, and frame, leading to increased volume and complexity in the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A stroller design featuring a linkage mechanism that allows the canopy, footrest, and seat to rotate relative to the armrest, enabling simultaneous folding by pivoting the handle, first link, and second link, which reduces volume and simplifies the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stroller mechanisms (canopy, seat components) are not linked with the folding mechanism, then these mechanisms can be independently adjusted for comfort, but they cause interference during folding and increase the volume of the folded stroller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding mechanism with the canopy and seat components by introducing linkage elements (first link, second link, third link) that connect these previously independent mechanisms. When the handle is folded, the first link drives the seat to rotate, the second link drives the footrest to rotate, and the third link drives the canopy to rotate, ensuring all components fold simultaneously and reducing the overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, independent adjustment mechanisms into dynamic, interconnected components. The linkage system allows the canopy, seat, and footrest to move dynamically in coordination with the handle folding action, enabling them to automatically adjust their positions during the folding process rather than remaining fixed or requiring separate manual adjustment.
2Reliability
If canopy and seat components are folded manually before operating the folding mechanism, then interference between components and frame is prevented, but the folding process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the linkage mechanism so that the canopy, seat, and footrest are automatically positioned in their folded states before the main folding action completes. The linkage geometry is designed such that as the handle begins to fold, the connected components are already driven into their proper folded positions, preventing interference without requiring separate manual adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism enables the canopy, seat, and footrest to self-adjust during the folding process. When the user operates the handle folding mechanism, the linkage system automatically drives these components into their folded positions without requiring the user to manually adjust each component separately, thus simplifying the overall folding process while ensuring proper positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanisms (canopy, footrest, seat) are added to meet user needs, then user comfort is improved, but the folding mechanism becomes more complex and requires additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single folding mechanism (handle rotation) that simultaneously controls multiple functions (canopy folding, seat folding, footrest folding). The linkage system acts as a universal control mechanism where one input action (handle folding) produces coordinated output actions across all adjustable components, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated folding system. By connecting the canopy, seat, and footrest through the linkage system to the handle folding mechanism, it combines what were previously separate adjustment functions into one unified operation, reducing the number of manual steps required while maintaining all comfort features.
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller includes two side frames and a first seat disposed between the side frames. Each side frame includes an armrest, a first leg, a second leg, a handle, and a first link. The first leg and the second leg are pivoted to the armrest, respectively. The handle is pivoted to the armrest, and a bottom end of the handle is detachably engaged with the first leg. A front end of the first link is pivoted to the second leg, and another opposite end is pivoted to the handle. The first seat is movably disposed on the first link. Thus, when the handle rotates between an extended position and a folded position, the first link can bring the first seat and the second leg to rotate relative to the armrest.