Interchangeable Articulating Wing Assembly for Hands-On Flight Toys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys that simulate flight do not allow children to directly manipulate the wing assembly with their hands or fingers, making it impossible to inspect or attach the wings to another host, and are mechanically complicated and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A toy mechanism with articulating wings that can be removably attached to a central docking mechanism, allowing manipulation by hands or fingers, featuring hinge joints, textured surfaces for grip, and control wires for synchronized wing movement, along with interchangeable wing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the toy is constructed with a fixed wing assembly that cannot be removed, then the structural integrity and mechanical functionality are maintained, but the child cannot inspect or attach the wings to another host
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into separable components: the wing assembly and the host body are designed as independent modules that can be detached and reattached. This segmentation enables the wing assembly to be removed for inspection or swapped with alternative wings, while each component maintains its structural integrity when properly assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing assembly is designed with universal attachment features that allow it to be fitted to multiple different host figures. The standardized connection interface enables the same wing assembly to be interchangeably attached to various hosts, providing multi-functionality and adaptability across different toy configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wing assembly is made complex with multiple articulation points, then the flight simulation capability is improved, but the difficulty to assemble and maneuver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly incorporates dynamic articulation points that allow the wings to move and flex during flight simulation. These articulation points enable realistic wing motion while being designed to move passively with the flight dynamics rather than requiring active manipulation, simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanisms are nested within the wing structure itself, with hinge joints and connection points integrated into the wing assembly design. This nesting consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact unit that assembles as a single piece, reducing assembly complexity despite the presence of multiple articulation points.
3Loss of information
If the toy allows removal of the wing assembly for inspection, then the child can see how the wings articulate, but the toy becomes inoperable if the wing assembly is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the wing assembly into a removable module that can be detached for inspection and then reattached to restore functionality. The segmentation allows the child to examine the articulation mechanisms up close while maintaining the ability to reassemble the complete operational toy.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing assembly is pre-designed with attachment features that guide proper reassembly. Connection points, alignment guides, and snap-fit mechanisms are built in advance to ensure the wing assembly can be easily and correctly reattached after inspection, restoring full operational functionality without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating mechanical toy including a universal docking mechanism having a left articulating wing, and a right articulating wing is provided. The left articulating wing assembly and the right articulating wing assembly each include a first linkage that may be attached at a respective one of the opposite ends of the docking mechanism. Each respective wing may also include a pair of movable linkages that are connected in series and are removably attachable to a respective primary linkage. Disposed about each movable linkage are a plurality of feather like elements that are coupled to one another via monofilament suture. The articulating toy mechanism is configured and designed to be controlled by a user (e.g., a child). The mechanical toy may include interchangeable left and right wing assemblies and may be interchangeably attached to a plurality of toys—such as action figures—via the docking mechanism.