Interactive Toy Inductive Charging for Continuous Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable interactive toys experience interruptions in play due to recharging cycles, which disrupt the continuity of the play experience, particularly when designed for manual handling by children and intended for enhanced model construction and roleplay.
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 control user-perceptible functions based on interaction stimuli and charging zone signals, allowing seamless integration of charging into ongoing play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rechargeable batteries are used in modular interactive toy elements to support autonomous operation, then freedom and flexibility of interactive play is improved, but play continuity is disrupted by recharging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous charging capability where toy vehicles can recharge while moving along inductive charging segments embedded in the track. This allows the vehicle to maintain operation without stopping, as charging occurs continuously during normal play activity, eliminating interruptions and maintaining both autonomy and play continuity
2Ease of operation
If contactless charging is implemented in modular interactive toys, then ease of use is improved by avoiding wired connections, but charging interruptions still affect play experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds inductive charging segments in advance within the play track structure. As vehicles approach these pre-positioned charging zones during normal operation, charging automatically begins without requiring user intervention or stopping the play flow, thus maintaining ease of use while eliminating charging interruptions
3Reliability
If rechargeable power sources are integrated into each interactive toy element, then autonomy is improved, but play experience is directly affected by charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function with the play track infrastructure by embedding inductive charging segments within the track itself. This integration allows vehicles to recharge as a natural part of their movement through the play environment, combining autonomous operation with continuous play experience without separating charging into a distinct, interruptive activity
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 system ensures a continuous and enhanced play experience by integrating charging as an integral part of the play, providing intuitive user feedback and allowing for creative play scenarios without distracting interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless inductive charging toy comprising a transmitting induction coil or loop creating an alternating magnetic field, and a toy body, wherein the toy body comprises a rechargeable battery, an electrical load, and an inductive charging circuitry comprising a receiving induction coil for converting the alternating magnetic field into electric current for charging the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive toy comprising a function device for performing user-perceptible, controllable functions. The interactive toy also includes a rechargeable power source 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 interactive toy is adapted to determine a charging rate at respective positions relative to the charging device and to generate a user-perceptible output indicative of the determined charging rate.