Foldable Stroller Tray Automatic Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable strollers face challenges in compact folding due to the tray's interference with the folding frame structure, requiring additional actions for tray removal and storage, and often result in safety hazards during deployment and folding.
Innovation Solution
A stroller with a fold joint mechanism that automatically deploys and folds the tray, using a hub assembly with internal components that hide the fold latch and pin, and tracks to maintain the tray in a deployed position during use and allow it to fold seamlessly with the stroller, eliminating pinch points and external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is designed to remain on the stroller when folded, then the tray does not require separate removal and storage actions, but the tray interferes with the folding frame structure and increases the size and shape of the folded stroller
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is merged with the foldable frame structure through the fold joint mechanism. The tray becomes an integrated component that moves with the frame during folding, eliminating the need for separate removal and storage actions while maintaining compact folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with dynamic movement capability through the fold joint, allowing it to transition between deployed and folded positions automatically as the frame folds. This dynamic design enables the tray to adapt its position based on the stroller's configuration state.
2Extent of automation
If complex and exposed linkages are used to automatically articulate the tray during folding, then the tray automatically folds with the stroller, but the linkages add weight, cost, part complexity, components, and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tray folding mechanism is merged with the existing fold joint structure of the stroller frame. The same fold joint that articulates the frame also controls tray movement, eliminating the need for separate automation linkages and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold joint serves multiple functions: it articulates the stroller frame during folding and simultaneously controls the tray's deployment and folding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated automation components for the tray.
3Extent of automation
If the tray is released from hard stops during folding to allow it to fall under its own weight, then the tray automatically folds, but the tray exposes an opening that closes up during unfolding which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The tray movement is merged with the frame folding motion through the fold joint mechanism. As the frame folds, the tray automatically moves to its folded position through the coupled motion, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms and exposed openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous opening-closing mechanism is extracted from the design. Instead of allowing the tray to fall and create exposed openings, the fold joint guides the tray through a controlled path that maintains safety throughout the folding and unfolding process.
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller has a frame reconfigurable between an in-use configuration and a folded configuration. A fold joint on the frame, when in a latched orientation, retains the frame in the in-use configuration. A seat is supported by the frame and a tray extends across and is spaced forward from the seat assembly. The fold joint is coupled to a portion of the tray and is configured to: a) move the tray to a deployed position relative to the seat when the frame is moved to the in-use configuration; b) retain the tray in the deployed position when in the in-use orientation; and c) release and allow the tray to move to a folded position when the frame is moved to the folded configuration. The fold joint is configured to hide and covers the various fold latch and tray fold components.