Stroller Seat Locking Mechanism Requiring Folded Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child strollers lack a safe and efficient mechanism to prevent caregivers from accidentally removing the seat with the child still inside, which poses a safety hazard.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism that connects two rotating components of the stroller seat to the frame, requiring the seat to be folded before being detached, ensuring the child is removed first.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a locking mechanism is designed to be easily operable by users with limited hand strength, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking strength and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidlocking strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cam member acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the locking arm. The cam member converts the user's pulling force on the release cord into rotational motion that actuates the locking arm, providing mechanical advantage and enabling reliable locking with minimal user effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including a movable cam member that rotates to engage/disengage the locking arm, and a spring-loaded system that provides automatic return and maintaining force. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the locking mechanism includes multiple components for reliable locking, then locking strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the cam member, which simultaneously serves as a lever for user input, a rotational actuator for the locking arm, and a spring-loaded return mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining reliable locking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam member performs multiple functions: it converts cord tension to rotational motion, directly actuates the locking arm, and works with the spring to provide automatic return. This multi-functionality reduces overall mechanism complexity while ensuring reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the release cord has significant length for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of entanglement or accidental activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidentanglement risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The release cord is extracted from the main body through a dedicated opening, allowing it to extend outward for easy access while being clearly separated from other mechanism components. This prevents entanglement with internal parts while maintaining user accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4444597B1Locking mechanism and child stroller including the same
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP4444597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4444597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4444597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the application, a locking mechanism for connecting a first object and a second object rotatable to each other to a third object is disclosed. The locking mechanism is connected to the first object and the second object, and is releasably connected to the third object; wherein a rotation of the second object in respect to the first object allows the locking mechanism to be released from the third object. A child stroller is also disclosed.