Extensible Toy Assembly Using Lost-Motion Sequential Breakout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extensible toys, such as Hatchimals®, have limited extension capabilities and lack significant play value after the breakout process.
Innovation Solution
A toy assembly with an extensible object that includes a housing, an extensible object, an extension mechanism, and a power source, utilizing a lost motion connection and drive cables to enable multiple extension members to move sequentially, allowing for extensive expansion and realistic breakout from the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power source is used to drive multiple extension members, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and sequencing of extension members becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The extension mechanism is segmented into multiple independent drive units, each with its own motor and drive cable, allowing individual control of each extension member while maintaining overall system coordination through a central controller
Solution Approach 2:
A central controller acts as an intermediary between the power sources and extension members, managing the sequencing and coordination of multiple extension members through programmed control logic that automates the extension sequence
2Force
If extension members are driven simultaneously, then the breakout force is maximized, but the housing structure requires higher strength and the extension mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension mechanism is divided into separate drive trains for each extension member, allowing independent control and reduced mechanical complexity compared to a single simultaneous drive system, while still achieving sufficient breakout force through coordinated action
Solution Approach 2:
The controller sequences the extension members to extend in a predetermined order, with earlier extension members preparing the path and reducing resistance for subsequent extension members, thereby reducing the peak force required from each individual drive unit
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extension members are used to achieve large extension, then the play value and realism are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible object is segmented into multiple modular extension members that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing the complexity of manufacturing each individual component while enabling complex overall extension behavior through the combination of simpler parts
Solution Approach 2:
Each extension member is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized drive mechanisms that can be used across different extension members, allowing the same basic design to be replicated and assembled in various configurations to achieve different extension patterns and play scenarios
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 achieves significant extension and realistic breakout, providing enhanced play value and realism through multiple dimensions of expansion using a single power source.
Implementation Method 1
The extension mechanism is operatively connected to the second extension member via a lost motion connection having a selected amount of lost motion
Implementation Method 2
a first extension drive cable connected between the at least one drum and the first extension member and passing over a pulley on the base
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a toy assembly housing, an extensible object inside the toy assembly housing, an extension mechanism, and an extension member power source. The extensible object includes a base, and first and second extension members. The extension mechanism is operable to drive the first and second extension members towards extended positions, and is operatively connected to the second extension member via a lost motion connection. Driving of the extension mechanism by the extension mechanism power source drives the first extension member towards the extended position for the first extension member to break or open the toy assembly housing to expose the extensible object while consuming at least a portion of the lost motion in the lost motion connection. Upon consuming the lost motion, further driving the extension mechanism drives the first and second extension members towards the extended positions.