Double Action Trigger Assembly for Toy Dart Guns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy dart guns require either separate manual cocking mechanisms or complex automatic mechanisms with batteries and compressed gas, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity, necessitating a simpler and cost-effective solution for actuating both cocking and triggering with a single user action.

Innovation Solution

A toy dart gun design featuring a double action trigger assembly that integrates a swing arm and compression assembly, allowing a single action to both cock and launch a dart, eliminating the need for separate cocking and triggering mechanisms and reducing complexity by using a spring-based compression system without batteries or compressed gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a manual cocking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as two separate actions are required (cocking and triggering)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cocking mechanism and trigger mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The swing arm serves dual functions: it acts as both the cocking actuator and the trigger. When the user pulls the swing arm back, it simultaneously performs the cocking action and prepares the trigger for firing, eliminating the need for separate cocking and triggering actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The swing arm is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both cocking and triggering operations. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require two separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through a single unified action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If an automatic cocking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved (single action required), but the device complexity increases due to motors and batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidautomatic mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression assembly utilizes a spring-based system that automatically returns the plunger to its initial position after compression. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources like batteries or motors, achieving automatic cocking through purely mechanical means that are simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical or pneumatic automatic cocking systems with a simplified mechanical spring-based compression assembly. The spring automatically retracts the plunger and prepares the system for the next firing cycle, providing automatic operation without requiring motors, batteries, or compressed gas supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If battery-powered motors or compressed gas are used for automatic cocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-action operationVSAvoidtoy dart gun weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-based compression assembly uses simple, lightweight mechanical components that are inexpensive to manufacture. The spring and plunger system replaces heavy batteries, motors, or compressed gas tanks, significantly reducing the overall weight and cost of the toy dart gun while maintaining the ease of single-action operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 efficient and cost-effective single-action dart launching, reducing the toy dart gun's weight and complexity while maintaining functionality, allowing for sequential launches without additional cocking or reloading.

Implementation Method 1

a compression assembly that includes a compression chamber positioned within the gun shell and having a barrel opening and an opposite holder opening, and a plunger slidably insertable through the holder opening of the compression chamber and movable between a retracted position and an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring compression: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11635277B2Toy dart guns having double action trigger assemblies and toy darts for use with the same

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 HEDEEN INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A toy dart gun is provided including a gun shell, a trigger assembly, and a compression assembly. The trigger assembly includes a swing arm coupled to the gun shell and movable between a safe position and a fire position, and a swing arm pusher extending from the gun shell and having an inclined surface. The compression assembly includes a compression chamber positioned within the gun shell and having a barrel opening and an opposite holder opening, and a plunger slidably insertable through the holder opening and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. As the swing arm moves toward the fire position, the swing arm engages the plunger and pulls the plunger toward the extended position. When the swing arm is in the fire position, the swing arm pusher deflects the swing arm from engagement with the plunger and the plunger is biased toward the retracted position.