Stroller Locking Mechanism Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strollers require both hands to operate the actuating devices for unlocking the frame, leaving no hand free to hold the child, which can lead to accidental unlocking.
Innovation Solution
The stroller design allows the first actuating device to slide from a blocking position to a releasing position with one hand, enabling the second actuating device to unlock the locking mechanism, preventing accidental unlocking and allowing single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two actuating devices are operated separately to unlock the locking mechanism, then accidental unlocking is prevented, but both hands are required for operation leaving no hand free to hold the child
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second actuating devices are merged into a single integrated assembly where the first actuating device is positioned within or alongside the second actuating device. This allows both actuating operations to be performed sequentially by a single hand while maintaining the safety requirement that both actuating devices must be operated to unlock the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking operation is segmented into two distinct sequential steps: first operating the first actuating device to move from blocking position to releasing position, then operating the second actuating device to unlock the locking mechanism. This segmentation maintains safety through sequential operation while enabling single-handed execution.
2Reliability
If two separate actuating devices are used for unlocking, then safety against accidental collapse is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two actuating devices are merged into a compact integrated assembly where the first actuating device is positioned within or alongside the second actuating device. This spatial merging reduces the overall complexity and footprint of the control mechanism while preserving the functional requirement for two distinct actuating operations.
3Ease of operation
If the first actuating device has a single releasing position, then the operation direction is clear, but left-handed and right-handed users may find operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The first actuating device is designed with dual releasing positions (first and second releasing positions) that accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users. The device can function with either releasing position as the primary operational endpoint, making it universal for different user preferences while maintaining clear operational direction through the blocking position.
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller at least comprises a collapsible frame, which is provided with wheels near a first side and which is provided with a push member on a side remote from the wheels. The stroller further comprises at least one locking device for locking the frame in an unfolded position, as well as at least first and second actuating devices, which locking device can be unlocked in use by operating the two actuating devices, after which the collapsible frame can be collapsed from the unfolded position to a collapsed position. The first actuating device is slidable from a position in which it blocks the second actuating device to a releasing position, in which releasing position the second actuating device is slidable to an unlocking position, in which the locking device is unlocked.