Compact Mobile Toy Connector With Selective Rotation Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile toys suspended in a child's field of view lack a secure and easy-to-use suspension mechanism, and their operation is not safe when interfered with by the child.
Innovation Solution
A compact mobile toy kit that includes a toy mobile and a connector, with a coupler facilitating coupling between the toy mobile and the connector, allowing for secure suspension from various targets and safe operation even when interfered with.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suspension mechanism is used for mobile toys, then the toy can be suspended from a target, but the suspension is not secure and easy-to-use simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate components: a connector with a coupler that attaches to the target, and a coupling member on the toy mobile that interfaces with the coupler. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the coupler provides secure attachment while the coupling mechanism enables easy connection and disconnection by users
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the target and the toy mobile. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the suspension process while ensuring secure attachment through its specific geometric design and engagement mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the mobile toy allows free rotation for normal operation, then the toy functions properly, but it becomes unsafe when interfered with by a child
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the coupling member and coupler is designed to be dynamically responsive. Under normal operation, the connection allows free rotation of the toy mobile. However, when abnormal forces are applied (such as a child pulling or twisting), the connection can detach or become restricted, preventing potential harm while maintaining normal functionality
3Volume of moving object
If the mobile toy is designed to be compact, then it saves space, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is integrally assembled with the toy mobile body, merging the coupling function into the existing structure rather than adding a separate complex mechanism. This integral design achieves compactness while providing the necessary coupling functionality through clever geometric design rather than multiple components
Data Source
AI summary
A toy kit comprising a toy mobile having a body, a connector for suspending thereby the toy mobile from a target, and a coupler for facilitating coupling between the toy mobile and the connector, the toy mobile and the connector at least when assembled constituting a toy assembly. The toy mobile comprises a connector coupling member fixed to the coupler at a first portion of the coupler. The connector comprises a target engaging component detachably and securely attachable to a target so as to have the toy mobile suspend from the target by means of the connector, and a toy coupling member fixed to the coupler at a second portion of the coupler. The toy assembly comprises a first rotation interface between the body and the connector coupling member and a second rotation interface between the connector coupling member and the toy coupling member selectively allowing relative rotation therebetween. The toy assembly comprises a rotation restriction mechanism for selectively restricting the relative rotation between the connector coupling member and the toy coupling member at the second rotation interface, the first rotation interface allowing a relative rotation between the body and the connector coupling member at least when the relative rotation between the connector coupling member and the toy coupling member is restricted at the second rotation interface.