Inflatable Expanding Sword with Pneumatic Blade Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated weapons, such as toy swords, fail to accurately simulate the extension and retraction of energy swords while being suitable for simulated combat and play, with prior devices being delicate or having visible blade portions in retracted configurations.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable, expanding sword apparatus with a housing, inflatable blade, extension and retraction systems, power source, and controller, utilizing a pump and motor to control blade extension and retraction, maintaining positive air pressure for durability during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid telescopic blade is used, then the blade provides structural strength, but the blade cannot be fully retracted and remains visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable blade made of thin film material that can be completely retracted into the handle. When inflated, the thin film blade maintains its shape and provides sufficient structural strength for simulated combat, while allowing complete retraction when deflated, eliminating the visible blade portion problem of rigid telescopic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic inflation through a pump system to expand the flexible blade from a retracted state to an extended combat state. This pneumatic mechanism allows the blade to achieve full extension when needed while enabling complete retraction by deflation, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and retraction completeness.
2Length of moving object
If LED strips on flexible substrate are used, then the blade can extend and retract accurately, but the device becomes delicate and unsuitable for simulated combat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable blade made of durable thin film material that maintains accuracy of extension and retraction while being robust enough for simulated combat. The inflatable structure provides the necessary durability compared to delicate LED strip assemblies, while still achieving accurate blade movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic inflation system provides controlled and accurate blade extension and retraction through pressure regulation, replacing delicate mechanical LED-driven systems. This approach maintains extension accuracy while significantly improving durability for combat use.
3Reliability
If an inflatable blade is used, then the blade can be fully retracted and is durable, but the blade requires pressurization system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pump-based pneumatic system with pressure regulation to inflate and deflate the flexible blade. This pressurization system provides durable blade operation while managing complexity through integrated control mechanisms that regulate inflation pressure and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system serves multiple functions: inflating the blade for combat, deflating for retraction, and potentially maintaining pressure during use. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining several operations into a single integrated pressurization mechanism.
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 apparatus provides an accurate simulation of blade extension and retraction, suitable for simulated combat, with a durable, inflatable blade that maintains shape and visibility, enhancing the play experience.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump activated by the controller, the air pump in fluid communication with the interior of the blade and configured to provide positive air pressure to the interior of the blade upon activation
Implementation Method 2
a motor activated by the controller and a lead extending between the motor and the second end of the flexible wall of the blade, the motor configured to retract the lead and the second end of the flexible wall upon activation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an inflatable toy sword device with a blade configured to extend from and retract into the handle. A flexible blade material may be stored in a spooled configuration within the handle and inflated during extension. During retraction, the process is reversed and air is controllably released while the material is spooled. A method of extending and retracting the flexible blade material of an inflatable toy sword is also provided.