Elastomeric Pop Toy with Impact Tabs and Activator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing half-ball toys face challenges in maintaining an inverted position indefinitely while storing enough energy for consistent and predictable popping action, as they either bend back quickly due to material thickness or lack energy due to low durometer, and activation methods like dropping or pressing are cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A pop action toy assembly with an elastomeric body and an activator assembly that includes an impact disc and a knurled knob, along with protruding tabs to concentrate impact force, allowing for consistent popping into a hemispherical shape from an inverted position, enabling predictable and controlled energy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the half ball is made from a material that is too thick or has too high a durometer, then the half ball will remain inverted longer, but the half ball will not store enough energy to pop effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thickness variation in the elastomeric body, with a thicker portion at the base and a thinner portion at the apex. This allows different regions to serve different functions: the thicker base provides structural stability for maintaining the inverted position, while the thinner apex allows for effective energy storage and pop action when activated.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the half ball is made too thin or with a material that has too low a durometer, then the half ball will store more energy, but the half ball will not remain inverted for long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing non-uniform thickness distribution. The base portion is made thicker to maintain the inverted configuration, while the apex portion is made thinner to enable effective energy storage and pop action, thus satisfying both requirements simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the half ball is pressed to trigger the pop action, then the pop can be activated, but the hand gets in the way of the half ball when it suddenly pops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a cavity and protrusion system. The cavity in the elastomeric body receives a protrusion from an activator assembly, allowing the pop action to be triggered through this intermediary interface rather than direct hand contact with the half ball surface, thus avoiding hand interference during the pop.
4Ease of operation
If the half ball is dropped to trigger the pop action, then the pop can be activated, but the half ball will only activate if it strikes the ground flush on its base or upon its apex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances activation reliability by creating a protrusion on the activator assembly that extends into the cavity. This protrusion acts as a trigger mechanism that can be engaged by impact from various angles, ensuring consistent pop activation regardless of whether the half ball strikes the ground on its base, apex, or at an angle, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
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 assembly consistently pops back into its original shape upon impact, releasing stored energy to propel it into the air with greater predictability and control, achieving a higher and more consistent flight height than prior designs.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric body is defined primarily by a first surface and a second surface. Both the first surface and the second surface converge from a wide base rim to a central apex. The elastomeric body is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where the first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where the second surface faces outwardly.
Implementation Method 2
When a half ball is inverted it stores energy like a spring. If the inverted ball were dropped or touched, the half ball would pop back into its hemispherical shape, thereby releasing the stored energy.
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of tabs symmetrically protrude from the base rim of the elastomeric body. If the toy assembly is inverted and strikes the ground, the protruding tabs act to concentrate the force of the impact and cause the toy assembly to pop back into its normal orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pop action toy assembly having an elastomeric body that is defined primarily by a first surface and a second surface. The elastomeric body is selectively positionable between a normal orientation, where the first surface faces outwardly, and an inverted orientation, where the second surface faces outwardly. An activator assembly having an impact disc and a knob extends through the elastomeric body at its apex. The impact disc strikes the ground when the toy assembly pops from an inverted orientation back into its normal orientation. The knob is used to grasp, spin and throw the toy assembly when inverted. A plurality of tabs symmetrically protrude from the base rim of the elastomeric body. If the toy assembly is inverted and strikes the ground, the protruding tabs act to concentrate the force of the impact and cause the toy assembly to pop back into its normal orientation.