Articulatable Statuette Transforming Collapsed Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toys with figurines concealed within containers lack the feature of having movable appendages and the ability to transform from a collapsed state within the container to an erectable state when the container is opened, offering limited interactive appeal and design versatility.

Innovation Solution

A toy design featuring a collapsible container with a rotatable platform and peg system that allows the container top portion to expand into a figurine with movable members, forming part of the container's outer surface when collapsed, enabling the figurine to be erected as the container opens, with various shapes and figurine designs possible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the figurine is concealed within the container in a collapsed state, then the container maintains a compact form, but the figurine cannot be displayed or interacted with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformability of figurineVSAvoidstructure of container and figurine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The figurine is divided into multiple articulated segments (head, torso, limbs) that can fold relative to each other, allowing the figurine to collapse into a compact form that fits within the container while maintaining the ability to expand into a full display position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible figurine is designed to nest within the container when in its folded state, with the figurine's body parts folding inward to occupy minimal space inside the container, similar to nested dolls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the figurine has movable appendages for interaction, then user engagement increases, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteractivity of figurineVSAvoidarticulation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The figurine's appendages are designed with movable joints that allow dynamic positioning of arms and legs, enabling interactive poses while using simple hinge-like connections that minimize mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The figurine's body parts are constructed with flexible materials that allow bending and articulation without requiring complex mechanical joints, enabling movement through material flexibility rather than mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the figurine forms part of the container surface when collapsed, then the design is more integrated, but manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of figurine and containerVSAvoidproduction of container and figurine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container and figurine are designed as integrated components where the figurine's collapsed form becomes part of the container's exterior surface, combining two elements into a unified structure that simplifies the overall system while maintaining aesthetic integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2903706B1Container with articulatable statuette

Publication Date: 2018.12.19 SWARTZ PAUL

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AI summary

A toy including a ball shaped container removably mounted atop a stand. The container may be opened with the top portion of the container being unfolded creating an erect figurine. The bottom half of the container is inverted atop the stand and has a rotatable platform to removably support the figurine in the erect position.