Deformable Toy With Pliable Ribs for Shape Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Toys with hollowed structures made from elastomeric materials have not been designed to exploit the additional qualities that can be achieved during use, such as varying shapes and functionalities, which could enhance their play value and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A deformable toy with two endcaps connected by pliable ribs that can change shape from spherical to elongated spheroid to flattened spheroid configurations, allowing for different play modes and uses, such as throwing in arcs, spirals, or spins, and serving as a container for other objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a toy is made with a hollowed structure from elastomeric materials, then the toy can be compressed into a compact profile for packaging, but the toy lacks additional qualities and functionalities during use
Solution Approach 1:
The toy employs dynamic structural elements (pliers, endcaps, and hollowed sections) that allow the toy to change shape and configuration during use. The pliers can be positioned at different locations, and the hollowed sections can be compressed or expanded, enabling the toy to adapt to various throwing motions and play scenarios, thus resolving the contradiction between compact storage and versatile functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The toy is divided into multiple functional segments including pliers, endcaps, and hollowed sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions (compression, shape retention, weight adjustment) while collectively providing versatility in play value, overcoming the limitation of a simple hollowed structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If a toy is made with a rigid structure, then the toy maintains stable shape for throwing, but the toy cannot be deformed into different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The toy utilizes flexible elastomeric materials for the hollowed sections and pliers that can deform under compression while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible elements allow the toy to transition between different configurations (spherical, elongated spheroid, flattened spheroid) while retaining stability during each configuration, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and deformability
Solution Approach 2:
The toy's physical parameters (shape, volume, density) can be changed by compressing the hollowed sections and repositioning the pliers. This allows the same toy structure to exhibit different throwing characteristics and play qualities, bridging the gap between stable rigid structure and adaptable configurations
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 toy offers enhanced play value by adapting to various throwing motions and configurations, including the ability to hold objects, and can be adjusted in weight and light emission, providing multiple play experiences.
Implementation Method 1
two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. A user may squeeze the toy about each of the ribs to push the ribs together while pushing the endcaps apart. The toy may consequently take on an elongated spheroid structure. A user may press the endcaps towards each other so that each of the ribs bends outwards.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy deformable to several structural configurations. The toy includes two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. The toy may be deformed into a low-profile configuration by pressing the endcaps together, the ribs bending outward to accommodate the deformation. The toy may be deformed into a high-profile configuration by squeezing the ribs together, the endcaps being pushed apart to accommodate the deformation. While pressure is not applied to the toy, the toy may enter a non-deformed configuration wherein the ribs and the toy as a whole take on a substantially spherical form. A retention device may also be utilized to confine the toy to a specific configuration.