Detachable Propeller With Snap Joint And End Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flying toy propellers and motors are prone to damage during crashes due to direct impact with hard surfaces, and replacing them can be difficult for children without proper tools, leading to frequent toy damage and reduced flying performance.

Innovation Solution

A detachable propeller mechanism with a snap joint and end cap design allows for easy removal and reconnection of the propeller without tools, featuring a protection tip to absorb impact energy and prevent damage, enabling the propeller to move rearward and disengage from the drive shaft during crashes, thus minimizing damage and facilitating replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the propeller is firmly linked on the motor shaft or through the output shaft of gearbox, then the propulsion efficiency is improved, but the propeller is difficult to replace and prone to damage during crashes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropeller damage resistanceVSAvoidpropeller replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The propeller assembly is divided into separate components: the propeller itself, the propeller holder, and the end cap. These segments can be independently replaced without affecting the motor or drive shaft, allowing easy propeller replacement while maintaining secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propeller holder is designed with dynamic attachment characteristics - firmly attached during normal operation through the slot engagement with the drive shaft, but capable of detaching when impacted during crashes. This allows the propeller to remain securely mounted during flight while enabling easy replacement after damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the propeller is placed on the nose of the canopy or top for helicopter, then the propulsion performance is optimized, but the propeller is directly exposed to impact forces during crashes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropeller damage resistanceVSAvoidimpact force exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is designed with a cushioning material (such as foam or rubber) that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the propeller and drive shaft. This beforehand cushioning protects the propeller assembly from direct impact forces during crashes, reducing the likelihood of damage while maintaining the propeller's operational position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If a high speed propeller is used for indoor play, then the flying performance is improved, but the hazard to children increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflying performanceVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The propeller is made detachable through the segmented design with the propeller holder and end cap. When not in use or during indoor play, the propeller can be easily removed from the holder, eliminating the hazard of high-speed rotating blades while preserving the ability to achieve good flying performance when the propeller is installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If the propeller is made of plastic material, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the propeller is susceptible to breaking under impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap incorporates a cushioning material that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the plastic propeller. This protects the inexpensive plastic propeller from breaking during crashes, allowing the use of cost-effective plastic material while maintaining adequate impact resistance through the protective cushioning layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 mechanism significantly reduces the likelihood of propeller breakage during crashes, allows for easy replacement, and enables continued flying enjoyment with reduced hazard from high-speed propellers, particularly in indoor play, by allowing the propeller to remain attached to the toy after a crash and simplifying the reconnection process.

Implementation Method 1

When the toy plane crashes into the earth or another obstacle, this placement of the propellers often leads to damage of the propellers and/or motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

The end cap is removable by disengagement of the holder and the end cap at the snap joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy Absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8430709B1Detachable propeller for flying toys

Publication Date: 2013.04.30 SILVERLIT

AI summary

A flying toy has a propeller rotated by the first motor mounted on the body. A propeller holder mounts the propeller. An end cap is located to the front of the propeller holder, and there is a snap joint between the holder and the end cap. The end cap is removable by disengagement of holder and end cap at the snap joint, and the propeller is releasable from the holder by a human hand and without a tool. When the toy crashes, the propeller is forced relatively free from the drive force rotating the holder and back towards the body and is trapped against separation from the toy.