Counter-Rotating Propeller Assembly for Stable Flying Toy Doll
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for lightweight, electric motorized vertical interactive flying toys that offer enhanced play patterns and enjoyment, beyond traditional helicopter-style toys, with improved control systems and propeller assemblies for stable flight.
Innovation Solution
A toy character with a body, two propeller assemblies, and a motor, where the second propeller assembly counter-rotates with the first, driven by a motor controlled by sensors and switches for adaptive speed adjustments based on surface detection and pre-programmed patterns, incorporating a gear train and flybar for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional helicopter-style toys are used, then vertical flight is achieved, but the toy becomes heavy and lacks interactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into separate functional modules: a lightweight body structure, independently mounted propeller assemblies, separate control systems with sensors, and modular power sources. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining interactive capabilities through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single electronic unit that handles motor control, sensor data processing, stability adjustment, and interactive response coordination. The propeller assemblies serve both propulsion and stabilization functions, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall weight.
2Reliability
If propeller assemblies are added for lift generation, then vertical flight capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple propeller assemblies are mechanically coupled through a shared mounting structure and drive system. The control system merges sensor inputs from all propellers into a unified control algorithm that adjusts motor speeds collectively, reducing the complexity of individual assembly control while maintaining overall flight stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates counter-rotating propeller assemblies where adjacent propellers rotate in opposite directions. This counter-rotation cancels out torque effects and gyroscopic forces, providing inherent stability without requiring complex mechanical stabilization mechanisms or additional counterweight components.
3Power
If motor speed is increased for better flight performance, then lift generation improves, but risk of motor burnout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors motor current draw, rotation speed, and power consumption through integrated sensors and control circuits. When approaching maximum power thresholds, the system automatically adjusts motor speeds to prevent overheating and burnout, enabling sustained high-performance operation while maintaining motor durability through real-time power management.
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
Enables stable and interactive vertical flight with adaptive speed control, allowing for various play patterns and safety features like obstacle detection, reducing the risk of motor burnout and enhancing user control.
Implementation Method 1
A flying toy doll may include an upper propeller assembly and a lower propeller assembly. The upper propeller assembly may include an upper motor, an upper propeller mount, and two upper blades. The lower propeller assembly may include a lower motor, a lower propeller mount, and two lower blades.
Implementation Method 2
The upper motor may be in communication with the upper propeller mount for rotation. The lower motor may be in communication with the lower propeller mount for rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy character includes a body, a first propeller assembly, a second propeller assembly, and a motor. The body extends in a longitudinal direction and has a longitudinal axis. The first propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis and positioned at a mid-portion of the body. The second propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first propeller assembly. The second propeller assembly is mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly for counter-rotation in the second direction when the first propeller assembly rotates in the first direction. The motor is in communication with the first and second propeller assemblies to drive rotations in the first direction and the second direction.