Crying Doll Fluid Control via Cam-Actuated Throttle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crying dolls either require pumping mechanisms or suffer from continuous water flow instead of a dripping effect, lacking control over the 'crying' action and realistic tear simulation.
Innovation Solution
A crying doll design featuring a fluid tank connected to tear holes via a flexible duct with a throttle and actuating cam, allowing controlled fluid flow and incorporating a pacifier or finger for interrupting crying, along with an anti-spill valve and purge system for natural emptying and air removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pumping mechanisms are used to propel fluid from tank to eyes, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pumping mechanism from the system entirely, extracting only the essential function of fluid transfer. Instead of using active pumping components, the design relies on passive gravity-driven flow through a simple duct connection between the tank and eye openings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transfer system is designed to be self-service, utilizing the natural force of gravity to propel fluid from the elevated tank to the eye openings without requiring external power sources or mechanical pumping components. The system serves itself through proper positioning and simple duct design.
2Productivity
If continuous fluid flow is used from tank to eyes, then fluid delivery is improved, but realistic tear simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms continuous fluid flow into periodic, intermittent delivery by introducing a valve mechanism that opens and closes at controlled intervals. This periodic action allows fluid to be delivered in discrete amounts that simulate natural tear shedding, where tears flow intermittently rather than continuously, thereby achieving realistic visual effect while maintaining adequate fluid delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user control mechanism is added for crying action, then playability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a simple valve as an intermediary component between the fluid tank and the eye openings. This valve acts as a mediator that can be easily actuated by the user (through pulling the doll's hair) to control fluid flow, providing user interaction and playability without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If air is present in fluid system, then natural emptying is improved, but air-induced malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a venting mechanism that allows air to escape from the fluid system during filling and emptying operations. By providing a dedicated air vent path separate from the fluid flow path, the system can naturally empty without trapping air pockets that would cause malfunctions, while the vent mechanism itself is designed to prevent fluid leakage when not in use.
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 controlled, realistic tear simulation without pumping, with a dripping effect and improved playability, ensuring the doll 'cries' naturally or stops crying when a pacifier is inserted, maintaining fluid containment and preventing air-induced malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid tank connected to the outside and able to accumulate a fluid above the level of the tear holes
Implementation Method 2
at least one flexible supply duct that hydraulically connects said tank to one or to both of the tear holes
Implementation Method 3
a throttle for the supply duct and an actuating cam for the throttle with the ability to move between an operative position (A), in which it pushes and arranges the throttle against the supply duct, flattening it locally and impeding the passage of fluid through it
Implementation Method 4
an actuating cam for the throttle with the ability to move between an operative position (A)... and a free position (B)... the mentioned actuating cam being mounted in the proximity of the mouth and being operable in the direction of its operative position (A) upon inserting a nipple of an accessory element
Implementation Method 5
the actuating cam being urged by elastic means tending to arrange the actuating cam in the free position (B) such that upon removing the nipple from the mouth of the doll it will 'cry' naturally
Implementation Method 6
In order to prevent the backward movement of the duct when the squeezing element of the throttle is pressed down in the cited duct in order to throttle it via flattening, in the head of the doll has a support element inside of it for the portion of the duct upon which the throttle acts
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A crying doll (1) that comprises a head (2) with eyes (3), each endowed with a tear hole (3a), and a mouth (4), a device (5) being housed in the head for producing the visual effect of the doll shedding tears that has a fluid tank (6) connected to the outside and able to accumulate a fluid above the level of the tear holes (3a); and at least one flexible supply duct (8) that hydraulically connects with one or both of the tear holes (3a). The device (5) further comprises a throttle (7) for the supply duct (8) and an actuating cam (13) for the throttle (7) for arranging the throttle (7) against the supply duct (8), flattening it locally and impeding the passage of fluid through it, the mentioned actuating cam (13) being mounted in the proximity of the mouth (4) and being operable upon inserting a nipple (17) of an accessory element (16), separate or not from the doll, in the mouth (1).