Toy Launcher Drum With Concentric Projectile Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy launchers with drum-style magazines have limitations in capacity and efficiency, such as limited dart storage in a single ring and inefficient sequential launching between concentric rings, requiring multiple rotations and manual switching.
Innovation Solution
A toy launcher with a drum design featuring two concentric rings of projectile holders, where a single pushing rod mechanism advances projectiles from the inner ring to motorized flywheels for launching, and a spring-loaded push member transfers projectiles from the outer ring to the inner ring, allowing for simultaneous use of both rings without manual switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single ring of projectile holders is used in a drum magazine, then the launcher structure is simple, but the capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple concentric rings of projectile holders nested within the same drum structure. The inner ring and outer ring are positioned at different radii from the drum center, allowing the drum to hold more projectiles without increasing its external dimensions. This nesting approach increases capacity while maintaining a compact drum structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-ring configuration to a multi-ring configuration by utilizing the radial dimension within the drum. By arranging projectile holders at different radii (inner ring at first radius, outer ring at second radius), the system increases capacity without significantly increasing the drum's axial or tangential dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If concentric rings are aligned and launched sequentially, then capacity is increased, but launching efficiency decreases due to multiple rotations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions projectiles in the outer ring in advance at locations that will align with the inner ring positions after a specific drum rotation. The spring-loaded push members are pre-positioned to transfer outer ring projectiles to inner ring positions automatically when alignment occurs, eliminating the need for manual switching or multiple rotation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous projectile transfer from outer ring to inner ring through the spring-loaded push members. As the drum rotates and outer ring projectiles align with inner ring positions, the push members automatically transfer them, maintaining continuous launching action without interruptions for manual intervention or multiple rotation cycles.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between rings is required, then construction is simpler, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where spring-loaded push members automatically transfer projectiles from the outer ring to the inner ring when they align. This automatic transfer eliminates the need for manual switching between rings, allowing the launcher to operate continuously without user intervention for ring switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded push members act as intermediaries between the outer ring and inner ring projectile holders. These push members automatically engage and transfer projectiles when the rings are properly aligned, mediating the transition between rings without requiring manual operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pushing rod mechanisms are used for concentric rings, then each ring can be launched independently, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inner ring pushing rod multi-functional by enabling it to serve two purposes: (1) directly push inner ring projectiles to the flywheel for launching, and (2) transfer outer ring projectiles to inner ring positions when aligned. This eliminates the need for a separate pushing mechanism for the outer ring, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining independent launching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate pushing mechanisms into a single inner ring pushing rod. By combining the direct launching function and the outer-to-inner ring transfer function into one mechanism, the system reduces the number of components and material costs while maintaining the ability to launch from both rings.
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 design increases the capacity of the launcher, simplifies construction, reduces material costs, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing continuous launching from multiple concentric rings with reduced physical effort and extended battery life in semi-automatic and automatic modes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded push member transfers projectiles from the outer ring to the inner ring
Implementation Method 2
one or more flywheels positioned in front of a first side of the drum that are adapted to propel at least one of the projectiles when pushed from the drum toward the one or more flywheels for launching
Data Source
AI summary
A toy launcher for launching projectiles that includes a drum having a substantially circular shape and comprising a ring of projectile holders to hold projectiles for launching, the ring of projectile holders including a ring of inner support portions located substantially at a first radius from a center of the drum, each inner support portion adapted to support at least a portion of a projectile on an inner concentric ring of projectiles, and a ring of outer support portions located substantially at a second radius from the center of the drum, each outer support portion adapted to support at least a portion of a projectile on an outer concentric ring of projectiles, wherein the second radius is different than the first radius, and wherein the drum includes a ring of front openings and a ring of rear openings that are aligned with at least the inner concentric ring of projectiles.