Jumping Toy With Mechanical Counter And Dynamic Puppet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing popper toys lack a mechanism to count the number of jumps and do not provide a dynamic visual expression during use.

Innovation Solution

A jumping toy comprising a puppet, a plurality of springs, and a counter that attaches to the puppet, where the springs deform and return to their relaxed state to elevate the toy, and the counter counts the jumps, with the puppet featuring a composite prism structure and decorative elements that change expression with motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a popper toy is designed to jump repeatedly, then the duration of action increases, but the reliability decreases due to spring fatigue and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of jumpsVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a mechanism where the counter is reset to zero after a predetermined number of jumps, effectively discarding the accumulated count and recovering the counting function for a new cycle. This allows the toy to maintain reliable operation over extended durations by periodically resetting the counting mechanism, preventing spring fatigue from causing permanent failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The counter provides feedback on the number of jumps made, allowing users to track the duration of action. The reset mechanism uses this feedback to determine when to clear the count, creating a closed-loop system that monitors and manages the toy's operational lifespan to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If a counter mechanism is added to count jumps, then the measurement precision of jump count improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejump count measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter mechanism is designed to automatically increment with each jump without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The counting function serves itself by utilizing the natural motion of the toy, minimizing additional complexity while achieving precise jump count measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The counter is integrated into the existing popper toy structure, merging the counting function with the jumping mechanism. This combination allows the counter to benefit from the mechanical motion already present in the toy, reducing the need for separate, complex counting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the puppet structure is made composite prism-shaped with decorative elements, then the visual expression and adaptability improve, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual expressionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The puppet is divided into distinct composite prism segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components with standard tolerances, while the assembly creates the final dynamic visual expression, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The puppet's composite prism structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with segments that can move relative to each other during jumping. This dynamic design allows for varied visual expressions without requiring extremely precise manufacturing, as the motion itself creates the visual effect rather than relying on fixed,高精度 components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 toy effectively jumps above a supporting surface, providing a dynamic visual experience while counting the number of jumps, enhancing user engagement and interaction.

Implementation Method 1

The jumping toy is pressed against the supporting surface such that the plurality of springs are deformed. When the jumping toy is released, each of the plurality of springs returns to its relaxed position such that the jumping toy 'jumps' to an elevation above the supporting surface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10478713B1Jumping toy
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 EARVIN JOHNATHAN
  • US10478713B1 patent drawing
  • US10478713B1 patent drawing
  • US10478713B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The jumping toy comprises a puppet, a plurality of springs, and a counter. The counter and the plurality of springs attach to the puppet. The jumping toy is configured for use with a supporting surface. The jumping toy is pressed against the supporting surface such that the plurality of springs is deformed. When the jumping toy is released, each of the plurality of springs returns to its relaxed position such that the jumping toy “jumps” to an elevation above the supporting surface. The counter is a mechanical device. The counter counts the number of times the jumping toy jumps. The puppet is a composite prism structure that visually presents a dynamic expression during the use of the jumping toy.