Foldable Tricycle Seat Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable tricycles pose challenges in transitioning between extended and folded positions, particularly concerning safety around pivot mechanisms and discouraging riders from mounting in the folded position, as existing designs often require manual manipulation of small actuators near moving parts and do not prevent mounting in the folded configuration.
Innovation Solution
A foldable tricycle design where the seat acts as an actuator to pivotally move the frames between positions, using a seat assembly and locking mechanism to transition between extended and folded states, keeping hands away from pivot points and discouraging mounting in the folded position through seat orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivot mechanism with manual actuators is used to transition between folded and extended positions, then the transition mechanism is simple and reliable, but the actuators are small and difficult to operate and require hands to be near the pivot point creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is merged with the actuation mechanism, combining the rider's seating action with the frame transition actuation. The seat assembly rotates about a pivot point and is coupled to the second frame, so that when the rider sits on the seat, the weight automatically actuates the transition from folded to extended position without requiring separate manual actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rider's own weight as the actuating force. When the rider attempts to sit on the seat, their body weight automatically triggers the mechanism to transition the frames from folded to extended position, eliminating the need for external actuators and keeping hands away from pinch points.
2Area of stationary object
If the tricycle remains in the folded position for storage or display, then the footprint is reduced for efficient storage and transport, but riders may attempt to mount the folded tricycle which is not ridable and may cause frustration or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The seat orientation changes visually indicate the tricycle's operational state. When folded, the seat is oriented at an angle that clearly signals to potential riders that the tricycle is not ready for mounting, preventing unsafe attempts to ride a folded tricycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring adults to manually unfold the tricycle before a child can ride, the design inverts the sequence by allowing the child's action of sitting on the seat to automatically unfold the tricycle. This ensures the tricycle is always in the extended, rideable position when a rider is on it.
3Ease of operation
If the seat is positioned to encourage mounting in the folded position, then rider access is easier, but the tricycle may be mounted and ridden in the folded position which is not designed for riding
Solution Approach 1:
The seat orientation serves as a visual indicator of the tricycle's state. When folded, the seat is angled in a way that clearly signals riders not to mount, preventing attempts to ride in the folded position while still allowing easy access when extended.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances safety by reducing the risk of pinch points and automatically transitioning to the extended position when a rider attempts to sit, making it easier and safer for users to access the tricycle while maintaining a compact storage configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the seat assembly is pivotally coupled to the first frame and pivotal movement of the seat assembly relative to the first frame causes pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable tricycle includes a first frame, a second frame movably coupled to the first frame, and a seat for supporting a rider, wherein the seat operates as an actuator for moving the first and second frames relative to each other. Additionally, a method of handling a foldable tricycle movable between a first position and a second position includes applying a force to the seat of the tricycle, wherein the applied force on the seat causes the tricycle to move from the first position to the second position.