Interactive Toy Contactless Charging for Continuous Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable interactive toys experience interruptions in play due to charging cycles, disrupting the continuity of the play experience, especially when children are using modular interactive elements designed for enhanced model construction and role-play.
Innovation Solution
An interactive toy system with a rechargeable power source that integrates contactless charging into the play experience by using a control circuit to select user-perceptible functions based on both interaction stimuli and charging zone signals, allowing charging to be seamlessly integrated into the play flow, thus extending the play experience beyond a single recharging cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each modular interactive toy element is provided with an autonomous rechargeable power source, then freedom and flexibility of interactive play is improved, but charging cycles interrupt the play experience and reduce continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The toy automatically performs charging action in advance by detecting entry into a charging zone and initiating power transfer before the battery is fully depleted, thereby preventing play interruption. The control circuit monitors battery charge level and autonomously positions the toy for charging when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy autonomously manages its own charging process by detecting its position relative to charging zones, controlling the charging circuitry to receive power when needed, and managing battery charge levels without requiring manual user intervention for plugging in or monitoring charging status.
2Ease of operation
If contactless charging is used for modular interactive toy elements, then ease of use is improved by avoiding wired connections, but the charging process still interrupts play continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by automatically initiating power transfer when the toy enters a charging zone during play, eliminating the need for users to manually connect chargers and preventing play interruption before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy maintains continuous play experience by seamlessly integrating charging into the play flow - the control circuit manages power reception during natural pauses in active play without requiring the child to stop playing or manually intervene, thereby maintaining continuity of the useful action of playing.
3Loss of time
If the toy automatically manages charging cycles, then play continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: it manages autonomous charging by detecting charging zones and controlling power reception, monitors battery charge levels, and coordinates with the function device to adapt operations based on charge status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit autonomously manages the entire charging process without external intervention - detecting when the toy is in a charging zone, initiating power reception, monitoring charge levels, and managing battery charging - thereby reducing the need for complex user interfaces or manual control mechanisms.
4Loss of time
If charging zones are integrated into the play environment, then play experience continuity is improved, but the system complexity increases with multiple charging zones and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is merged with the play environment itself - charging zones are integrated into the play structure or surface, combining the functions of play and charging into a single unified system, thereby reducing overall complexity rather than adding separate charging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging zones serve dual purposes: they provide power to the toys while also being integrated into the play environment structure. The control circuitry manages multiple toys and charging zones using a unified system that adapts to different configurations, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each zone or toy.
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
This integration enhances the continuity and flexibility of the play experience by making charging a natural part of the interaction, allowing for strategic placement of toys in charging zones and motivating players through rewards and interactive scenarios, thereby reducing interruptions and enhancing the intuitive and creative play value.
Implementation Method 1
a charging circuit for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source when the interactive toy is positioned in a charging zone of a contactless charging device
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive toy, system, and method of controlling the same. The interactive toy includes a toy housing comprising therein a function device performing user-perceptible, controllable functions; a control circuit controlling the function device; a rechargeable power source providing operating power to the function device and the control circuit; and a charging circuit for contactless receipt of electrical energy and for charging the rechargeable power source when the interactive toy is positioned in a charging zone of a contactless charging device. The control circuit receives a primary signal indicative of an interaction stimulus; a secondary signal indicative of a position of the interactive toy with respect to the charging zone; and, responsive to the primary signal, controls the function device to perform a user-perceptible function selected based on the secondary signal. The interactive toy system includes an interactive toy and a contactless charging device defining one or more charging zones.