Gear-Driven Flapping Wing Assembly with Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys with integrated wings are expensive, inconvenient for small children, and require adult supervision for flight control, limiting the child's playing experience and necessitating multiple toy purchases.
Innovation Solution
A detachable wing assembly with a housing, magnetic coupling, and a gear mechanism that allows wings to flap, providing a flying effect without actual flight, compatible with various toys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wings are permanently integrated into the toy body, then the toy structure is simple and stable, but the toy cannot be reused with other toys and requires purchasing multiple toys
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly is divided into separate modular components including the wing body, coupling mechanism, and support structure. This segmentation allows the wing assembly to be detached and transferred between different toys, achieving versatility while keeping each component relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal compatibility to attach to multiple different toy types. The magnetic coupling system and adjustable support structure enable the same wing assembly to function with various toys, eliminating the need to purchase multiple specialized toys
2Ease of operation
If the toy is designed for actual flight capability, then the flying effect is realistic, but the toy becomes expensive and requires adult supervision for safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly provides partial flight simulation through flapping motion without achieving actual flight capability. The gear mechanism drives the wings to flap realistically, giving children the sensation of flight while remaining safe and controllable at hand-held sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The wing assembly creates a visual and mechanical copy of flight behavior through flapping motion, driven by the gear mechanism. This simulated flight effect provides the desired playing experience without the complexity, cost, and safety concerns of actual powered flight toys
3Extent of automation
If remote-controlled flight toys are used, then actual flight is achieved, but the toy requires adult attention and control which reduces child engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly is designed as a self-contained unit with an integrated gear mechanism that automatically drives the flapping motion. Once attached to a toy, the system operates independently without requiring remote control or adult intervention, allowing children to play autonomously
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 children to play with toys featuring flapping wings without flight, allowing easy attachment and detachment to different toys, enhancing play value and reducing the need for multiple toy purchases.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coupling means configured to engage with a magnetic strip of the toy, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the device with the toy. In an aspect, the coupling means is a magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to be detachably coupled to a toy is described. The device comprises a housing and a wing assembly coupled to the housing. The wing assembly comprises at least one wing configured to rotate about a rotational axis in a flapping motion, and a gear assembly configured to cause rotation of the at least one wing. The device further comprises at least one coupling means configured to engage with a magnetic strip of the toy, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the device with the toy.