Tandem Stroller Frame Folding Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem strollers are either not foldable, making them inconvenient to store and transport, or have complex structures that result in a large volume when folded.
Innovation Solution
A tandem stroller frame design featuring a pair of spaced-apart lateral frame units, a handle unit, and side rod units that allow for folding by pivoting the front and rear leg rods, enabling a compact and simple structure when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tandem strollers are designed to be non-foldable, then structural stability and seating capacity are improved, but storage convenience and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller frame is divided into multiple rod units (front rod unit, rear rod unit, side rod units) that can be independently pivoted and folded. Each rod unit contains connecting portions that allow relative movement between segments, enabling the entire structure to be segmented into foldable sections while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroller frame incorporates multiple pivot connections that allow dynamic transformation between an extended operational state and a folded storage state. The pivot joints at the front leg rod-rear leg rod connections, side rod unit connections, and handle unit attachments enable controlled movement and folding actions while maintaining stability during use.
2Reliability
If conventional tandem strollers use complex frame structures, then seating capacity and stability are improved, but folded volume and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
When folded, the rod units are arranged in a nested configuration where the front rod unit folds against the rear rod unit, and the side rod units fold against the lateral frame units. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the stroller when not in use, allowing compact storage while maintaining the complex structure needed for accommodating two children.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism transforms the stroller from a three-dimensional extended structure into a two-dimensional compact configuration. By pivoting rod units against each other and collapsing the frame into a flatpack-like arrangement, the stroller reduces its occupied space while preserving structural complexity for seating capacity.
3Strength
If the stroller frame uses more rod units and connecting portions, then structural strength and seating support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple structural functions are merged into the rod units and connecting portions. The front leg rod, rear leg rod, side rod units, and handle unit are all integrated into a unified folding framework where each component serves both structural support and folding mechanism functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod units and connecting portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for seating, enable folding and unfolding operations, maintain structural strength during use, and facilitate compact packaging when folded. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem stroller frame includes two lateral frame units, a handle unit, two side rod units, and a footrest plate. Each lateral frame unit includes front and leg rods connected pivotally to each other. The handle unit includes two side handle rods connected pivotally and respectively to the lateral frame units. Each side rod unit is disposed between the front leg rod of a respective one of the lateral frame units and a corresponding one of the side handle rods, and includes a front leg connecting portion connected pivotally to the front leg rod of the respective lateral frame unit, and a rear connecting portion connected pivotally to one of the corresponding side handle rod and the rear leg rod of the respective lateral frame unit. The footrest plate interconnects the rear leg rods of the lateral frame units.