Toy Vehicle Track With Integral Connectors for Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy vehicle track sets are difficult for young children to assemble and require separate connectors, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, limiting their play configurations and compatibility with various toy vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
The toy vehicle track system features integral connectors on each track piece, allowing direct connection without additional pieces, designed for easy assembly and disassembly by young children, and enabling configurations that form closed track paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate connectors are used to join track pieces, then the track system can be assembled and disassembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult for young children to operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connector functionality directly into the track pieces themselves, merging what were previously separate components (track pieces and connectors) into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate connectors and simplifies the assembly process to directly joining track pieces together.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (track pieces and connectors) are used, then the track system can be configured in various ways, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the connector functionality into the track pieces themselves, the total number of separate components is reduced. This merger maintains the versatility of creating various track configurations while reducing the storage space needed, as fewer separate parts need to be stored and organized.
3Reliability
If conventional track pieces with separate connectors are used, then connections can be made between track pieces, but friction and obstacles at connection points hinder smooth vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of connectors into the track pieces creates a more unified and streamlined connection structure. This merging reduces the number of separate connection components and creates smoother transition points between track sections, thereby reducing friction and obstacles for vehicle travel while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy vehicle track piece of present application includes one or more connectors. Thus, two track pieces can be connected directly to each other without any additional pieces (e.g., without separate connectors pieces or pins). Moreover, the connectors are specifically designed so that young children can easily connect and disconnect two track pieces without parental intervention. Additionally or alternatively, the track pieces presented herein, as well as accessories associated therewith, may be designed to assemble at specific grid locations so that any configuration of track pieces can be connected together to form a closed track path.