Interactive toy structure
By designing an interactive toy structure that combines multiple sensory experiences and instant feedback, the problem of insufficient interactivity in existing toys has been solved, resulting in educational toys that are highly interactive, fun, safe, and reliable, thus promoting children's physical and mental development.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing educational toys and learning tools fail to effectively achieve teacher-student interaction and human-computer interaction, and cannot adequately meet the needs of teaching and learning.
An interactive toy structure was designed, including a ball-dropping component, motion tracks, a power component, a lighting component, and a voice component. It supports multiple participants through multiple motion tracks and power components, and combines visual, auditory, and tactile experiences to provide immediate feedback and motivation. It uses transparent materials and an integrated design to save space and improve safety.
It enhances the interactivity and fun of toys, promotes children's physical and mental development, improves the immersion in games, cultivates awareness of rules and a competitive spirit, and has a compact, safe and reliable structure, making it suitable for children or group activities.
Smart Images

Figure CN224194062U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of interactive toy structures, specifically an interactive toy structure. Background Technology
[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, the importance they place on education is also increasing, with early childhood education receiving even wider attention. Parents are placing greater emphasis on their children's education, and their demands on kindergartens are no longer limited to the "quantity" of early childhood education; they also require quality improvement. The novelty, stimulation, and variety of educational toys and games in kindergartens can not only promote children's social interaction and enhance their motor and strength development, but also combine education with entertainment. Therefore, the role of educational toys in the education of preschool children cannot be ignored.
[0003] Interactivity is a crucial indicator that needs improvement in the design of educational toys. Existing educational toys fail to effectively achieve teacher-student interaction and human-computer interaction, and thus cannot adequately meet the needs of learning and teaching. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an interactive toy structure to solve the problem that existing toys fail to interact effectively and cannot adequately meet the needs of learning and teaching.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an interactive toy structure, comprising:
[0006] Ball drop assembly;
[0007] The motion track, arranged around the ball-dropping assembly, provides a path for the ball.
[0008] The power unit, connected to the motion track, provides power to the ball, enabling it to move.
[0009] Multiple motion tracks are arranged around the ball-dropping assembly. A power component causes the ball to move along the motion tracks and fall into the ball-dropping assembly. "Falling" here can also mean "entering".
[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:
[0011] It also includes a lighting component, which is installed on at least one of the ball-dropping component, the motion track, and the power component. A white light illuminates before the game starts, flashes after the game begins, and illuminates a colored light when the ball falls to the ground (corresponding to two exits, yellow and green lights can be used; a yellow light illuminates when the ball falls from the student's exit, indicating a student's victory, and a green light illuminates when the ball falls from the teacher's exit, indicating a teacher's victory). A red light should also be included as a malfunction indicator; a red light illuminates when the equipment malfunctions.
[0012] It also includes a voice component, which is installed on at least one of the ball-dropping component, the motion track, and the power component. The voice component can prompt the start of the game, ask you to get ready, countdown, etc., and can issue voice prompts such as cheering during the game, and issue a victory prompt when the game ends.
[0013] It also includes a main housing and sub-housings, with multiple sub-housings arranged around the main housing. The power assembly is located inside the sub-housings, the ball-dropping assembly is located inside the main housing, and the motion track is partially or entirely located inside the main housing.
[0014] The power assembly includes an airbag and a pressing plate, with the airbag's outlet located within the motion track.
[0015] The motion track includes an arc-shaped tube with a first ball-dropping hole, a second ball-dropping hole, and a ball-lifting hole. The first and second ball-dropping holes are symmetrically arranged, and the ball-lifting hole is located on the axis of symmetry between the first and second ball-dropping holes. The arc-shaped tube has a cylindrical cross-section with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ball, allowing the ball to roll within the tube without getting stuck. Simultaneously, the gap between the ball and the tube should be sufficiently small to ensure that the gas provides the power to rotate the ball.
[0016] Both the main shell and the upper part of the arc-shaped tube are made of transparent material.
[0017] A collection tray is installed below the motion track, and several sensors are installed on the collection tray. These sensors are positioned at corresponding locations of the first ball drop hole, the second ball drop hole, and the ball lift hole. A lifter is installed at the corresponding location of each ball lift hole. The lifter is electrically powered, and the device is powered by a plug-in or battery. The control chip should have an electronic control module. The lifter only needs to be able to raise the ball; a voice coil motor, lead screw module, or other lifting structures are all acceptable.
[0018] The bottom of the collection tray is equipped with a multi-way regulating valve, which is connected to the arc-shaped tube and the airbag, and transmits the gas generated by the airbag into the arc-shaped tube. The multi-way regulating valve is composed of multiple valves and pipes connected together, and the corresponding air port of the airbag is changed by controlling the opening and closing of the valves.
[0019] The pressing plate is provided with a functional layer. The functional layer provides wear-resistant protection, extends the service life of the equipment, and prevents injury to the user.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0021] Enhanced interactivity and fun: By setting up multiple motion tracks and corresponding power components, it supports multiple people to participate in the game at the same time, enhancing competitiveness and interactivity, and is especially suitable for children or group activities.
[0022] Rich sensory experience: Combining multiple sensory experiences such as sight, hearing and touch, the game process is more vivid and interesting, which can effectively attract the attention of participants and enhance the immersion of the game.
[0023] Instant feedback to motivate participation: Through the combination of the ball-dropping sensor and the ball-raising hole, the game results can be fed back instantly and announced through lights or voice, giving participants timely feedback and motivation to stimulate their enthusiasm for participation.
[0024] Compact structure, safe and reliable:
[0025] Integrated design saves space: The motion track, ball drop assembly and power assembly are integrated into one unit, which effectively reduces the overall size, saves space and makes it easy to place and use.
[0026] Transparent design for easy observation: The movement track and main shell are made of transparent material, making it easy to observe the trajectory of the ball, increasing the game's visual appeal and operability.
[0027] Multiple safety features: The curved tube has multiple air vents to prevent excessive airflow from causing it to explode; the pressing plate uses a metal base and silicone coating, which balances durability and safety; a small air vent is set on the top of the transparent cover to ensure air pressure balance and further improve safety.
[0028] Multi-way regulating valve for flexible control: By setting a multi-way regulating valve, different airbags can be switched to different air inlets, which improves the flexibility of use and can adapt to different game modes and the number of participants.
[0029] Promote children's physical and mental development: By stepping on the pressure plate, children can feel the deformation of silicone, which helps them understand the properties of the material; at the same time, competitive games can exercise children's reaction ability, coordination ability and teamwork spirit.
[0030] Developing a sense of rules and a healthy attitude towards winning and losing: By designing game rules, children can develop a sense of rules and a healthy attitude towards winning and losing.
[0031] In summary, this invention provides an interactive toy that is compact, safe, reliable, highly interactive, engaging, flexible, controllable, and educational. This toy effectively attracts participants' attention, enhances immersion in the game, promotes children's physical and mental development, and has broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 This is a design sketch of Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a physical model drawing of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0034] Figure 3 This is a design sketch of Embodiment 2 of the present utility model;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a physical model drawing of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0037] Figure 6 This is a physical model drawing of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the main shell and transparent top cover removed;
[0039] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the internal structure of this utility model;
[0040] Figure 9 This is the second schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model;
[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the collection tray structure of this utility model;
[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe connection structure of this utility model;
[0043] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the arc-shaped tube of this utility model;
[0044] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the usage state of this utility model.
[0045] Reference numerals: 1. Ball drop assembly; 11. First ball drop hole; 12. Second ball drop hole; 13. Ball lift hole; 2. Movement track; 21. Arc tube; 3. Power assembly; 31. Airbag; 32. Press plate; 4. Lighting assembly; 5. Voice assembly; 61. Main housing; 62. Sub-housing; 7. Collection tray; 8. Lifter; 9. Multi-way regulating valve. Detailed Implementation
[0046] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.
[0047] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicating orientation or position, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0049] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0050] Example 1
[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the interactive toy structure of this embodiment includes:
[0052] Ball drop assembly 1;
[0053] The motion track 2 is arranged around the ball-dropping component 1 to provide a path for the ball.
[0054] The power component 3, connected to the motion track 2, provides power to the ball, enabling the ball to move.
[0055] Three motion tracks 2 are set around the ball-dropping assembly 1, and the ball is moved along the motion tracks 2 and falls into the ball-dropping assembly 1 by the power component 3.
[0056] In this embodiment, the motion track 2 is made of transparent pipe or partially transparent, and a ball-throwing position is opened on the motion track 2. The power component 3 is made of air supply to provide power to the ball, so that the ball enters the ball-dropping component 1 from the motion track 2. Three balls of different colors are used to distinguish them. Only three motion tracks 3 are shown in the figure. Several tracks can be set to meet the needs of multiple users.
[0057] Example 2
[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the motion track 2 and the ball-dropping assembly 1 are combined, and the power assembly 3 is also integrated into one unit, effectively reducing the overall size. Each power assembly 3 corresponds to one motion track 2. The ball-dropping assembly 1 uses a ball-dropping hole or a sensing method to drop the ball.
[0059] Example 3
[0060] like Figures 5 to 13 Based on Embodiment 2, this embodiment includes a main housing 61 and a secondary housing 62. Multiple secondary housings 62 are arranged around the main housing 61. The power component 3 is arranged inside the secondary housing 62. The ball-dropping component 1 is arranged inside the main housing 61. The motion track 2 is partially or entirely arranged inside the main housing 61.
[0061] The motion track 2 includes an arc-shaped tube 21, on which a first ball-dropping hole 11, a second ball-dropping hole 12, and a ball-lifting hole 13 are provided. The first ball-dropping hole 11 and the second ball-dropping hole 12 are symmetrically arranged, and the ball-lifting hole 13 is located on the axis of symmetry of the first ball-dropping hole 11 and the second ball-dropping hole 12.
[0062] Both the main shell 61 and the upper part of the arc-shaped tube 21 are made of transparent material. The transparent material makes it easy to observe the trajectory of the ball.
[0063] The power assembly 3 includes an airbag 31 and a pressing plate 32. The air outlet of the airbag 31 is located within the motion track 2. Pressing the airbag 31 with the pressing plate 32 causes gas from the airbag 31 to enter the arc-shaped tube 21. A multi-way regulating valve 9 is located at the bottom of the collection tray 7. The multi-way regulating valve 9 is connected to the arc-shaped tube 21 and the airbag 31, transmitting the gas generated by the airbag 31 into the arc-shaped tube 21. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped tube 21 has two air inlets at both ends: one for the teacher and the other for the student (child) end. Here, three airbags 31 converge at one student end air inlet via the multi-way regulating valve 9, while the other airbag is used by the teacher. To improve flexibility, a multi-way regulating valve 9 can be installed at the bottom to allow switching between different airbags and different air inlets. The press plate 32 houses an airbag 31, with an air inlet on the side and a reverse switch at the bottom. The press plate 32 is connected to the air inlet via a plastic tube with a movable piston. The ball can move within the arc-shaped tube 21. Three air outlets are located on the tube to prevent the toy from exploding due to excessive airflow. A small air outlet is located at the top of the transparent cover, through which gas flowing from the tube can escape. It should be noted that the air outlets may cause gas leakage, but this will not affect normal gameplay. Continuous and repeated pressing of the airbag 31 will continuously supply gas, ensuring normal gameplay.
[0064] Before the game starts, the airbag 31 contains a certain amount of gas. When the participant steps on the pressing plate 32, the airbag 31 compresses downwards, and gas enters the air inlet, forming an air column within the arc-shaped tube 21 that propels the ball, causing it to fall into the winning player's hole. When the participant stops applying pressure or removes their foot from the pressing plate 32, the silicone air cushion returns to its original position. At this time, gas enters through the air inlet, the reversing switch is activated, and gas enters the airbag 31. To ensure stable operation, a one-way valve can be installed in a suitable location.
[0065] A collection tray 7 is installed below the motion track 2. Several sensors are mounted on the collection tray 7, positioned at corresponding locations in the first ball drop hole 11, the second ball drop hole 12, and the ball lift hole 13. A lifter 8 is positioned at the corresponding location in the ball lift hole 13. The collection tray 7 is tilted. After a ball falls, the tilt angle (10°-30°) of the collection tray 7 causes the ball to automatically roll below the ball lift hole 13. Specifically, ball drop sensors are positioned below the corresponding locations in the first and second ball drop holes 11 and 12. When a ball falls from a drop hole, the corresponding drop sensor detects it and sends the information to the control center, which announces it via light or voice. Once a drop sensor is activated, the lifter 8 descends, allowing the ball to roll above it. The sensors on the lifter then lift the ball upwards above the ball lift hole 13, into the arc-shaped tube 21. The sensor here is a pressure sensor (generally a flexible pressure sensor is selected). The appropriate pressure sensor range can be selected according to the weight of the ball (one model is FlexiForce A201 (Tekscan) which is characterized by its ultra-thinness, flexibility, selectable range (0-1kg to 0-100kg), and customizable shape).
[0066] In one embodiment, a functional layer is provided on the pressing plate 32. This functional layer should at least include properties such as wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and softness. The pressing plate 32 has a metal base and is covered with silicone. The metal base is made of a material with excellent oxidation resistance, strong corrosion resistance, and the ability to maintain the product's appearance quality over a long period, as well as strong pressure resistance. Silicone is highly flexible, malleable, has good thermal stability, stable chemical properties, high mechanical strength, and is non-toxic, harmless, and odorless, giving children a warm and friendly feeling. When children step on the pressing plate, they will feel the deformation of the silicone, which helps them understand the material.
[0067] In one embodiment, a lighting component 4 is further included, which is disposed on at least one of the ball-dropping component 1, the motion track 2, and the power component 3. The lighting component 4 is used for lighting cues, including but not limited to color changing (including at least three different colors), flashing (fast flashing and slow flashing), and can at least indicate that the game is about to begin, during the game, and after the game has ended.
[0068] In one embodiment, a voice component 5 is also included, which is disposed on at least one of the ball-dropping component 1, the motion track 2, and the power component 3. The voice component 5 is also used for prompts, at least indicating that the game is about to begin, during the game, or after the game ends. Both the lighting component 4 and the voice component 5 are controlled by a control chip using an Arduino Uno / Nano control board, which is directly compatible with the analog signal (0-5V) of the A201. The pressure value is read through analogRead(), which is suitable for simple pressure feedback control (such as LEDs, buzzers). The control program for the control chip is a conventional choice for those skilled in the art and is not described in detail here. The sensor is connected to the control chip to provide a switching signal. The control route is: sensor → Arduino analog pins (A0-A5) → logic processing → output peripherals (PWM control of motor, lights, voice).
[0069] For interactive toys designed for teachers and students, different markings can be made on the pressing plate 32, or the pressing plate 32 can be distinguished by its appearance and shape.
[0070] This utility model's interactive toy structure aims to enhance teacher-child interaction, promote children's social communication, and improve children's motor and strength development. Through continuous adjustments to form, structure, materials, and details, a design scheme for an interactive teaching and learning toy for kindergarten teachers and students was developed. The product was simulated and demonstrated through digital models, physical models, and role-playing.
[0071] This educational toy, designed for individual or group play, promotes teacher-child interaction, fostering closer relationships and facilitating better teaching. Simultaneously, it fosters social interaction and enhances children's motor and strength development. The novel and engaging gameplay, along with its rounded and soft design, appeals to children's aesthetics and attracts their interest. The size of the pressing plate is tailored to the user's body dimensions, using a figurative foot shape to represent children and teachers. Stepping on the plate creates an air column, with the teacher and child on opposite sides engaging in a competitive dynamic, increasing children's participation and providing a sense of competition. This design has a positive impact on early childhood education, enhancing teacher-student interaction and improving the physical fitness of both children and teachers, demonstrating practical and educational value.
[0072] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not described in detail here. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An interactive toy structure, characterized in that, include: Ball drop assembly (1); The motion track (2) is arranged around the ball-dropping assembly (1) to provide a motion path for the ball; The power component (3) is connected to the motion track (2) to provide power to the ball, so that the ball moves. Multiple motion tracks (2) are arranged around the ball-dropping assembly (1), and the ball is moved along the motion tracks (2) and dropped into the ball-dropping assembly (1) by the power assembly (3).
2. The interactive toy structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a lighting assembly (4), which is disposed on at least one of the ball-dropping assembly (1), the motion track (2) and the power assembly (3).
3. The interactive toy structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a voice component (5), which is disposed on at least one of the ball-dropping component (1), the motion track (2) and the power component (3).
4. The interactive toy structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a main housing (61) and a secondary housing (62), with multiple secondary housings (62) arranged around the main housing (61), the power assembly (3) disposed in the secondary housing (62), the ball-dropping assembly (1) disposed in the main housing (61), and the motion track (2) partially or entirely disposed in the main housing (61).
5. The interactive toy structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power assembly (3) includes an airbag (31) and a pressing plate (32), with the air outlet of the airbag (31) located within the motion track (2).
6. The interactive toy structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The motion track (2) includes an arc-shaped tube (21), on which a first ball-dropping hole (11), a second ball-dropping hole (12), and a ball-lifting hole (13) are provided. The first ball-dropping hole (11) and the second ball-dropping hole (12) are symmetrically arranged, and the ball-lifting hole (13) is located on the axis of symmetry of the first ball-dropping hole (11) and the second ball-dropping hole (12).
7. The interactive toy structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper part of the main shell (61) and the arc tube (21) are both made of transparent material.
8. The interactive toy structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: A collection tray (7) is provided below the motion track (2), and a number of sensors are provided on the collection tray (7). The sensors are respectively located at the corresponding positions of the first ball drop hole (11), the second ball drop hole (12) and the ball lift hole (13). A lifter (8) is provided at the corresponding position of the ball lift hole (13).
9. The interactive toy structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom of the collection tray (7) is provided with a multi-way regulating valve (9), which is connected to the arc tube (21) and the air bag (31) to transmit the gas generated by the air bag (31) into the arc tube (21).
10. The interactive toy structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The pressing plate (32) is provided with a functional layer.