Magnetic Spring Soccer Board for Fast-Paced Figure Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soccer board games are either too costly, limiting their widespread availability, or lack movable player figures that allow for dynamic gameplay, particularly fast breaks and complex maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A game board with movable soccer figure dolls attached to springs, allowing for kicking and rotational movements to propel a soccer ball, and a multi-slot configuration for enhanced gameplay, including off-shoot slots and magnetic attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms are used to achieve movable player figures and dynamic gameplay, then gameplay dynamics and player movement are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs springs as the core dynamic element, allowing player figures to move forward when released. This simple elastic mechanism provides dynamic gameplay without complex actuators or motors, resolving the contradiction between gameplay dynamics and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the spring constant (stiffness) and figure mass to create different player characteristics and gameplay dynamics. By adjusting these physical parameters rather than changing the fundamental mechanism, the game achieves complexity in gameplay without complexity in the mechanical system
2Ease of manufacture
If simple non-movable figures are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but gameplay dynamics and player movement are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static figures into dynamic elements by attaching springs to player figures, enabling them to move forward when released. This simple addition of elastic elements provides movement and gameplay dynamics while keeping the overall system simple and inexpensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive materials such as springs, plastic figures, and a simple board surface. These components are easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing an affordable game system that maintains gameplay interest through dynamic movement rather than through complex, expensive mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If hexagonal path arrangements are used to provide multiple paths, then path variety is improved, but fast breaks and breakaway player movement are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the game board into multiple parallel slots that run the full length of the board, allowing player figures to move quickly from one end to the other. This segmented linear path structure enables fast breaks while still providing multiple distinct paths for different players
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional hexagonal path arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration with slots at different heights and angles. This dimensional change allows player figures to leap between slots, creating fast break opportunities while maintaining path variety through the vertical and angular dimensions
4Ease of operation
If limited number of player figures are used to simplify gameplay, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and strategic complexity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs player figures that can operate in multiple roles depending on their position and the game situation. Each figure with its spring mechanism can advance, block opponents, or retrieve balls, providing strategic versatility without requiring a large number of specialized figures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes preliminary setup elements such as pre-positioned player figures, designated starting slots, and structured turn sequences. These preliminary arrangements simplify the gameplay mechanics while creating strategic depth through the interactions and decisions that arise from this structured setup
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 fast-paced, dynamic gameplay with movable figures and multiple playing strategies, while maintaining affordability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The soccer figure dolls can 'kick' the 'soccer ball' which may be an ordinary marble or a hemispheric-like partial spherical 'soccer ball'. It does the 'kicking' by a player pulling back slightly on the spring and the spring-mediated return action impinging on the 'soccer ball' object and transferring momentum to the 'soccer ball' object.
Implementation Method 2
the spring-mediated return action impinging on the 'soccer ball' object and transferring momentum to the 'soccer ball' object
Implementation Method 3
In another exemplary embodiments, the game board surface is a ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel, magnets are used to attach the soccer figure dolls to the ferromagnetic surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fast-moving soccer/football action game with figures moving on a board; two players face off against each other. Each player controls two action figures plus a goalie. Miniaturized soccer play, just in time for the international soccer championship playoffs. A partial-boxed game board is laid out in professional soccer markings. Each of the action figures can “kick” a ball by hand-activated spring-action of the figures. A goalie figure can be stationary of move to block shot on goal. A miniature ball or marble or a more flattened ball-object is used. Magnets anchor the action figures to ferromagnetic playing surface, allowing the action figures to be slid along while allowing the action figure to hold to the surface while “kicking” the ball.