Bendable Toy Track Using Sliding Rail Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional train tracks are rigid, limiting the number of permutations and configurations that can be built, especially in children's sets, which restricts creativity and increases the number of pieces needed, making them more expensive and less versatile.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of bendable and resilient rails with sliding members and ties that allow for movement in horizontal and vertical axes, enabling the track to change length and direction, and connect to various surfaces and blocks, allowing for more flexible and creative layouts with fewer types of pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid pre-shaped track pieces are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the number of possible configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The track pieces incorporate flexible rails that can dynamically change shape between straight and curved configurations. The rails are designed to be bendable along their length, allowing the same piece to serve multiple geometric functions. This dynamic flexibility enables numerous configuration permutations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system changes the geometric parameter of the rails from fixed rigid shapes to variable flexible shapes. By adjusting the bend angle and curvature of the flexible rails, the same physical piece can create different track layouts. This parameter change approach increases adaptability without requiring additional pieces, thereby maintaining structural integrity through consistent material properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of rigid pieces are provided, then more configurations are possible, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each track piece is designed with universal flexibility, allowing a single type of piece to perform multiple functions (straight, curved, angled configurations). The flexible rails can be bent into different shapes while maintaining connection compatibility through standardized connectors. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of distinct piece types needed in the set.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple rigid piece types into a single flexible piece design. Instead of providing separate straight pieces, curved pieces, and angled pieces, the flexible rail can assume any of these forms as needed. This consolidation reduces device complexity and the number of components required while maintaining configuration versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bridges and elevation pieces are added, then vertical track configurations are enabled, but the number of pieces required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rails can dynamically adjust to vertical and inclined configurations without requiring separate bridge pieces. By bending the flexible rails at appropriate angles, elevation changes and vertical transitions can be achieved using the same rail pieces that form horizontal tracks. This reduces the quantity of specialized elevation pieces needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible track pieces serve universal functions for both horizontal and vertical configurations. The same piece that creates a horizontal curve can also be bent to create a vertical incline or elevation change. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated bridge and elevation pieces, reducing the overall quantity of components required in the set.
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
This solution significantly increases the number of possible configurations that can be built with a train track set, reducing the need for multiple piece types, making the toy more affordable and creative while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
resilient rails. 'Bendable' is defined as being able to change shape without breaking, and 'resilient' is defined as being able to return to the original shape before it was bent
Data Source
AI summary
A train track of embodiments of the disclosed technology is bendable in a vertical and/or horizontal plane. This is accomplished by having connectors on either side of two rails which can change in length. The rail, between the connectors, is bendable. Further, a hinged top of a block is used to attach the track to the block when the angle of the lower side changes in combination with an elevation change.