Modular Interlocking Toy Torque Transfer for Flexible Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys with action devices have low transformability and high manufacturing costs due to non-replaceable and multiple torque inputting structures, leading to reduced compactness.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking toy design featuring a torque transferring device with detachable connection assemblies and transmission devices that allow for interchangeable action devices, utilizing a single torque inputting structure to distribute torque to multiple action devices, reducing the need for multiple motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If action devices are assembled into the toy, then the toy can perform actions, but the action devices cannot be replaced or rearranged, resulting in low transformability
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into modular components: supporting seats, action devices, and connection assemblies. Each supporting seat can independently connect to other supporting seats via connection assemblies, allowing action devices to be replaced or rearranged by detaching and reattaching modules. This segmentation enables high transformability while maintaining stable individual module structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple action devices with different actions are provided, then the toy has more functions, but a corresponding torque inputting structure is needed for each action device, leading to high manufacturing costs and reduced compactness
Solution Approach 1:
A single torque inputting structure (hand crank or foot pedal) connected to a transmission device can drive multiple different action devices through the gear system. The transmission device distributes torque to various action devices, allowing one input structure to control multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate motors for each action device, reducing manufacturing costs and improving compactness.
3Ease of operation
If multiple torque inputting structures are provided for different action devices, then each action device can be independently controlled, but the manufacturing costs increase and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple torque inputting structures are merged into a single transmission device that can distribute torque to multiple action devices. The transmission device acts as a central hub that receives torque from one input structure and distributes it to various action devices through different gear paths, maintaining independent control capability while reducing the total number of input structures needed.
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
Enhances transformability and reduces manufacturing costs while improving compactness by allowing for modular assembly and distribution of torque through a unified input structure.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission gear, and an output member; the supporting seat is provided with a plurality of fitting ends; each fitting end is configured for detachable insertion of the connection ends; the rotating seat has an outer tooth ring and an inner tooth ring; the rotating seat is rotatably arranged on the supporting seat; the transmission gear is rotatably arranged on the supporting seat; the transmission gear is engaged with the inner tooth ring; the transmission gear is in driving connection to the output member
Implementation Method 2
each output member includes a rotating wheel and an eccentric shaft; the transmission shaft is rotatably arranged on the supporting seat, and the transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating wheel; the eccentric shaft is arranged on the rotating wheel; the eccentric shaft is in driving connection to the action device
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking toy is provided. A plurality of connection assemblies of a torque transferring device are arranged on the interlocking toy. Each connection assembly is provided with two connection ends, and a plurality of fitting ends are provided on a supporting seat. Each fitting end is configured for detachable insertion of the connection ends. Thus, transmission devices are allowed to be replaced or rearranged, which improves transformability of the toy and enhances transformation flexibility of a product. Second, when any connection assembly is in plug-in fit with the fitting ends of two supporting seats respectively through the two connection ends, a relative position between the two supporting seats is fixed, so that outer tooth rings of two rotating seats are engaged with each other, and then two transmission devices are in driving connection to each other.