Magnetic Suction Cup Module for Adjustable Top Launching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing top launchers require significant manual effort to accelerate tops, are not compatible with multiple launching speeds, and cannot launch tops in reverse directions or freely, limiting their functionality and appeal, especially for children.

Innovation Solution

A suction cup module with a movable fastener that magnetically attracts and releases the top, allowing for adjustable launching speeds and directions, integrated into a launcher with a drive assembly for enhanced control and fun.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pulling racks or ropes is used to accelerate tops, then the tops can be launched, but significant manual effort is required making it difficult for children to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidpulling force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rack-and-pinion system with a magnetic field-based attraction system. The launcher uses magnetic force to automatically attract and accelerate the top, eliminating the need for manual pulling of racks or ropes. This substitution of mechanical force with magnetic force significantly reduces the operational effort required by children while maintaining effective top acceleration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional launchers are designed for high-speed launch, then the tops can be launched fast, but the launcher cannot be compatible with multiple launching speeds or reverse directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple launching speedsVSAvoidlauncher structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic magnetic field system where the strength and direction of the magnetic field can be adjusted. By varying the magnetic field parameters, the launcher can accommodate different top weights, sizes, and desired launch speeds. The system can also reverse the magnetic field direction to launch tops in opposite directions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized launchers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field-based launcher is designed to be universally compatible with various types of tops. The adjustable magnetic strength allows the same launcher to effectively launch lightweight and heavyweight tops, small and large tops, at different speeds and directions, making it a multi-functional device that replaces several specialized launchers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If tops are accelerated by racks directly, then the acceleration is direct, but it is laborious to pull the high-speed launchers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunch speedVSAvoidpulling force
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rack acceleration system with a magnetic field acceleration system. The magnetic field directly acts on the magnetic components embedded in the top, providing direct acceleration without requiring manual pulling. This eliminates the laborious pulling force while maintaining direct and efficient acceleration to high launch speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If tops are accelerated by continuously pulling ropes, then the tops can be launched, but the tops cannot freely fall vertically and landing points are uncontrollable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of landing pointVSAvoidfreedom of top movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rope-pulling mechanical system with a magnetic field control system. The magnetic field can precisely control the launch parameters including angle, speed, and direction. This enables predictable and controllable trajectories while allowing the top to rotate freely during flight. The magnetic system provides reliable landing point control without restricting the top's natural rotation and movement during its flight path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 suction cup module provides a surprising and engaging experience by allowing tops to be launched with reduced manual effort, enabling multiple speeds and reverse direction launches, while ensuring a secure connection during high-speed rotation, enhancing user satisfaction and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic assembly arranged on the suction cup housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3838359B1Sucker module of launcher, launcher and toy suite
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 GUANGZHOU ALPHA CULTURE COMM
  • EP3838359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3838359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3838359B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a suction cup module of a launcher, the suction cup module comprising a suction cup housing (710) and a magnetic assembly (720), wherein the magnetic assembly (720) is arranged on the suction cup housing (710); and a fastener (730) movably arranged on the suction cup housing (710). A fastener foot (731) capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position is arranged on the fastener (730). The fastener foot (731) is suitable to be fastened on an object (800) to be launched when in the locking position and is suitable to be disengaged from the object (800) to be launched when in the unlocking position. By arranging the movable fastener (730) on the suction cup housing (710) and further defining that the fastener foot (731) is movable between the locking position and the unlocking position, the fastener (730) can fasten and release the object (800) to be launched. That is, when the suction cup module magnetically attracts the (800) object to be launched, the object (800) to be launched is locked by the fastener foot (731), and after the fastener (730) is triggered, the fastener (730) releases the object (800) to be launched and makes it fall freely, which brings an amazing playing experience to a player.