Magnetic Spin Axis Control for Spinning Top Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spinning tops are limited to a vertical orientation due to a single supporting point, resulting in an uncontrollable spin axis that always seeks to return to an upright position, preventing stable tilting or orientation control.

Innovation Solution

A spinning top assembly with a base generating a magnetic attraction force to a magnetic responsive top, allowing the spin axis to be controlled by varying the orientation of the base, using a magnetic force as the falling force to counteract gravity and enable orientation control between 0 to 360 degrees with respect to gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spinning top uses a single supporting point, then it can function as a traditional spinning top, but the spin axis orientation becomes uncontrollable and always returns to vertical position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinning top functionalityVSAvoidspin axis orientation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the spinning top and the base. The base generates a magnetic field that exerts magnetic force on the spinning top, serving as a mediator to control the spin axis orientation without physical contact. This allows the spinning top to be controlled at any orientation while maintaining its single-point contact functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical support system (multiple physical contact points) with a magnetic field-based control system. Instead of using mechanical structures to confine the spin axis, the invention uses magnetic force to achieve orientation control, eliminating the need for additional mechanical supporting points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a spinning top is constrained to vertical orientation, then it maintains stable spinning, but it cannot be tilted or oriented in other directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinning stabilityVSAvoidorientation variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the spinning top's orientation dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. By controlling the magnetic field direction from the base, the spin axis can be dynamically adjusted to any orientation (0-360 degrees) while maintaining stable spinning. The system transitions from a static vertical constraint to a dynamic controllable orientation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical constraints to variable magnetic field parameters. By adjusting the magnetic field direction and intensity, the spin axis orientation can be varied continuously across all directions while maintaining spinning stability, transforming the system from orientation-rigid to orientation-flexible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple supporting points are used to control spin axis orientation, then orientation control becomes possible, but the device can no longer function as a traditional spinning top

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespin axis orientation controlVSAvoidspinning top functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical supporting points with a magnetic field-based control system. Instead of adding multiple physical contact points that would prevent traditional spinning top operation, the invention uses magnetic force fields to control orientation while maintaining single-point contact, preserving traditional functionality while enabling orientation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field is introduced as a non-contact intermediary to control the spinning top's orientation. This magnetic mediator allows orientation control without physical constraints, enabling the spinning top to function traditionally while being controllable at any orientation through magnetic interaction rather than mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the spinning top to maintain stability and control over its spin axis at any desired orientation, including horizontal, vertical, or intermediate positions, by manipulating the magnetic force direction, thus overcoming the natural limitations of traditional spinning tops.

Implementation Method 1

a base generating magnetic attraction to magnetic responsive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10099151B2Spin axis controllable spinning top assembly

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 LIANG OWEN S G

AI summary

A spinning top assembly comprises a base generating magnetic attraction to magnetic responsive material. A face of the base is defined at a side of the base. The base is capable of turning to more than one orientation with respect to gravity. The spinning top assembly further comprises a top comprising a body made of magnetic responsive material. A shaft extends from the body to the face of the base so as to engage on the face of the base. The top spins on the face of the base via the shaft after the top is balanced on the base and is in a stable balanced spinning condition regardless orientation of the base being one of the more than one orientation thereof with respect to gravity.