Detachable Actuation Toy Ball With E-TPU Bite-Resistant Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pet toys are easily damaged due to biting and chewing, reducing their service life.
Innovation Solution
A toy ball with a detachable actuation module and an elastic shell made of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) that provides autonomous movement and is resistant to biting, featuring a hard inner layer and an elastic outer layer for enhanced durability and elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the toy ball uses a traditional single-material shell, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the resistance to biting and chewing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is constructed using composite materials with an E-TPU elastic outer layer providing bite resistance and a hard inner layer providing structural support. This multi-layer composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both high strength against biting and manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shell have different material properties - the outer layer uses soft, elastic E-TPU material for bite resistance while the inner layer uses harder material for structural integrity. This local differentiation of material quality allows the shell to simultaneously withstand biting forces while maintaining overall structural stability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the toy ball uses a detachable actuation module, then the service life is extended through replacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toy ball is divided into separable modules - a reusable shell and a replaceable actuation module containing the motor and electronic components. This segmentation allows the actuation module to be replaced when worn or damaged, extending the overall service life of the toy ball while keeping the connection structure relatively simple through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If the toy ball uses E-TPU elastic shell with hard inner layer and elastic outer layer, then the durability and elasticity are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell combines E-TPU elastic material for the outer layer with a harder inner layer, creating a composite structure that provides both durability and elasticity. The manufacturing process involves molding these layers together, which while more complex than single-material molding, achieves the desired mechanical properties through the synergistic combination of materials.
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 ball maintains its functionality and attractiveness through improved durability and elasticity, attracting pets with autonomous bouncing and rolling, while being environmentally friendly and resistant to damage.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic shell 1 is made of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU)... the elastic shell 1 is compressed during an impact from the ground and stores elastic potential energy. The elastic potential energy causes the toy ball 200 to rebound
Data Source
AI summary
A toy ball includes an clastic shell that defines a receiving cavity and an actuation module mounted in the cavity. The actuation module is detachably connected to the clastic shell and provides driving force to roll and/or enhance bouncing. The clastic shell includes expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) to provide low weight, high rebound, and compressive resistance.