Action Figure Torso Rotation via Internal Counterweight Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing action figures with rotatable upper torsos often require a heavy lower section and a hollow upper section to maintain balance, which is undesirable and limits the range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a rotatable cylindrical disk with rods extending from both sides, allowing it to fit within the upper torso and rotate nearly 180 degrees, covered by a sleeve to maintain balance and center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy lower section and hollow upper section are used to maintain balance during rotation, then the center of gravity remains stable, but the device complexity and undesirability of the toy structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy lower section and hollow upper section from the traditional design. Instead, it places a rotatable disk with counterweights inside the upper torso, separating the balancing function from the overall body structure. This allows the external appearance to remain uniform while achieving stability through internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the rotatable disk with counterweights inside the upper torso cavity. The disk is positioned within the existing torso structure, utilizing the available internal space. This nesting approach allows the balancing mechanism to be integrated without adding external complexity or changing the overall toy structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy lower section is used to prevent falling over, then stability is improved, but the weight distribution becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional heavy lower section design. Instead of adding weight to the lower body, it uses a rotatable disk with counterweights positioned in the upper torso. This extraction of the balancing function from the lower section allows for more desirable weight distribution while maintaining anti-falling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of weight distribution by placing adjustable counterweights on the rotatable disk. The counterweights can be positioned at different locations and angles, allowing dynamic adjustment of the center of gravity. This enables stability to be maintained without requiring a permanently heavy lower section.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper torso is made hollow to accommodate rotation mechanism, then rotatability is improved, but the structural integrity and desirability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the rotatable disk within the solid upper torso structure. Rather than making the torso hollow, the disk is placed inside the existing solid structure, utilizing the internal cavity space. This nesting approach maintains the external structural integrity of the solid torso while providing internal space for the rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the upper torso into functional zones: the outer solid structure provides structural integrity, while the internal cavity accommodates the rotatable disk. The solid torso is divided into a structural shell and an internal mechanism space, allowing both strength and rotatability to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A torso of an action figure that includes a first half member; a second half member; a rotatable cylindrical disk configured to fit within the first half member and the second half member, the rotatable disk having a first rod extending from a first side of the rotatable cylindrical disk and a second rod extending from a second side of the rotatable disk, the first and the second rods configured to allow the rotatable disk to rotate within the first half member and the second half member; and a sleeve configured to move with and cover the rotatable cylindrical disk.