Collapsible Toy Vehicle Track Set with Hinged Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy vehicle track sets require significant storage space when not in use and are cumbersome to set up and disassemble, lacking convenience and play value due to their expansive nature.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible toy vehicle track set design featuring pivotable ends, hingedly coupled track segments, and connectors that allow the track set to fold into a compact configuration for storage, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without reorganizing separate parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the track set is made expansive to provide more play value, then the play value is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track set employs dynamic folding mechanisms with pivotable ends and hingedly coupled track segments that allow the structure to transition between expanded and compact configurations. The connectors include hinges and rotating tongues that enable the track segments to pivot and fold, transforming the track set from a large expansive layout to a compact folded state for storage.
2Area of stationary object
If the track set is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track set is divided into multiple track segments that are hingedly coupled together with connectors. Each connector contains a hinge and rotating tongues that can independently pivot relative to adjacent track segments. This segmentation allows each component to fold and collapse independently, achieving compact storage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
3Area of stationary object
If the track set requires reassembly for storage to achieve compact configuration, then the storage space is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The track set utilizes dynamic folding mechanisms where track segments are hingedly coupled to allow automatic folding when the structure is collapsed. The pivotable ends and rotating connector tongues enable the track segments to naturally fold into a compact configuration without requiring manual disassembly or reorganization of separate parts, maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact storage.
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 collapsible design allows for quick setup and storage without the need for reassembly, providing enhanced convenience and play value by reducing storage space requirements and simplifying handling.
Implementation Method 1
The first connector has a first hinge, a first tongue, and a second tongue opposite the first tongue. The first tongue and the second tongue of the first connector are configured to slidably couple to the first and second track segments, respectively, and rotate relative to the first hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy vehicle track set includes a base having a first pivotable end and a second pivotable end. A first segment is coupled to the first pivotable end. A first connector has a first hinge, a first tongue and a second tongue. A second segment is hingedly coupled to the first segment by the first connector. A third segment is coupled to the second pivotable end. A second connector has a second hinge, a third tongue and a fourth tongue. A fourth segment is hingedly coupled to the third segment by the second connector. The first and second tongue of the first connector are configured to slidably couple to the first and second segments, respectively, and rotate relative to the first hinge. The third and fourth tongue of the second connector are configured to slidably couple to the third and fourth segments, respectively, and rotate relative to the second hinge.