Bobblehead Key Chain Pivot Mechanism for Durable Head Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bobblehead key chains fail to provide a durable and independent bobbling movement of the head separate from the body, often leading to spring distortion and breakage due to off-centered attachments and compromised springs.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism with a spine and axle is integrated into the head, allowing the head to bobble independently, secured by a mounting feature within the head, and reinforced with structural ribs to prevent breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring is attached to the top of a traditional bobblehead doll's head, then the head can be secured to the key chain, but the weight of the body will distort the spring and cause loss of desired bobbling movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spring mechanism from the neck area and relocates it to the base of the head, separating the bobbling function from the attachment point. This allows the head to bobble independently without the body weight distorting the spring, as the spring is now positioned to support only the head portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The head is divided into separate components: the head portion that bobbles and the body portion that attaches to the key chain. The pivot mechanism creates an independent rotation axis, allowing the head to move separately from the body, thus eliminating the distortion caused by body weight on the spring.
2Ease of operation
If a ring is attached to one side of a traditional bobblehead doll's body, then the key chain can be attached, but the off-centered attachment throws off the head's center of gravity and fails to create the desired bobbling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is positioned asymmetrically within the head structure, with the rotation axis located at the base of the head rather than at the center. This asymmetric placement allows the head to bobble effectively while maintaining proper center of gravity, as the pivot point is optimized for rotational movement rather than being centrally located.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the head and body, providing a dedicated rotation axis that mediates the relationship between the two parts. This intermediary structure enables independent head movement while maintaining proper gravitational alignment, solving the problem of off-centered attachment.
3Reliability
If a pivot mechanism is integrated into the head with a spine and axle, then the head can bobble independently and durably, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism components (spine, axle, mounting feature) are merged into a single integrated assembly that fits within the head structure. The spine extends through the head, the axle is retained by the mounting feature, and the connection feature attaches to the key chain, creating a unified mechanism that provides independent head movement without requiring multiple separate components.
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
The pivot mechanism ensures durable and independent bobbling movement of the head, preventing spring-related breakage and maintaining the center of gravity, while allowing various shapes and designs.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot mechanism includes a spine that extends through the top opening and an axle extending from the spine, where the axle is retained by the mounting feature. The head includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion, such that the interior space of the head is between the first portion and the second portion.
Implementation Method 2
The spine is reinforced with structural ribs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bobblehead key chain. In one aspect, the bobblehead key chain includes a head having a top opening on an upper surface of the head, a bottom opening on a lower surface of the head, and a mounting feature located within an interior space of the head. The bobblehead key chain also includes a pivot mechanism disposed through the interior space of the head, where the pivot mechanism includes a spine that extends through the top opening of the head and an axle that extends from the spine. The axle is retained by the mounting feature. The bobblehead key chain may also include a connection feature at the top of the pivot mechanism to allow key rings, keys, or other objects to be attached to the bobblehead key chain. The bobblehead key chain may also include a body connected to the pivot mechanism.