Modular Toy Track System With Interlocking Tube Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy track systems are limited in creativity and safety, as they often allow high-speed toy vehicles to fall out or shoot off, and are restricted to specific configurations, which can be hazardous and do not promote creative building.
Innovation Solution
A modular toy track system comprising connectable tube sections with coupling and interlocking mechanisms to prevent axial separation and fix angular positions, combined with a self-propelling toy vehicle featuring a driving wheel, presser, and guiding members for stable movement along the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the track configuration is limited and creativity is not promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into multiple detachable tube sections that can be connected in various configurations. Each tube section has coupling means at its ends, allowing players to assemble different track layouts by connecting sections in sequence, thereby promoting creativity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different tube sections and connection orientations. The interlocking parts can engage at multiple predetermined angular positions, allowing the same connection mechanism to serve multiple configuration purposes, thus enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If tube sections are connectable endwise to form flexible configurations, then creativity is promoted, but the risk of axial separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means combines multiple functions into a single integrated connection mechanism. The coupling parts not only join tube sections axially but also provide interlocking capability at predetermined angular positions, merging axial connection and angular positioning functions into one reliable connection system that prevents both axial separation and unintended detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking parts are designed with predetermined engagement positions that provide mechanical interlocking before axial separation can occur. This preemptive interlocking mechanism cushions against the risk of accidental separation by requiring deliberate disengagement actions, thereby maintaining connection reliability while preserving configuration flexibility
3Stability of the object's composition
If tube sections are fixed in predetermined angular positions, then track stability is improved, but the number of possible configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system provides dynamic stability by allowing tube sections to be positioned at multiple predetermined angular orientations. Once positioned, the interlocking parts lock the configuration to maintain stability. The system transitions from a static fixed-angle connection to a dynamic multi-position connection, enabling both stability and configuration variety
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking parts are designed with asymmetric engagement features that provide stable locking at specific angular positions while allowing selection among multiple asymmetric orientations. This asymmetric design enables predetermined angular fixation for stability while offering multiple distinct angular options to maintain configuration variety
4Productivity
If self-propelling toy vehicle is used, then motor skills development is enhanced, but the risk of high-speed accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system incorporates safety features in advance to cushion against high-speed accidents. The reliable coupling means with interlocking parts prevents track disassembly at high speeds, and the predetermined angular positions provide stable directional control, reducing the risk of vehicles shooting off or falling out, thereby allowing high-speed operation with reduced safety hazards
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 modular track system enhances safety and creativity by allowing flexible track configurations and stable vehicle movement, while the self-propelling toy vehicle ensures smooth and controlled navigation, addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling means includes a flexing member on one of the first and second sleeve for assisting insertion of the first sleeve into the second sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a presser mounted at the first end portion on the second side of the vehicle body and resiliently biased in a direction directly opposite and away from the driving wheel for bearing against said inner surface to maintain said frictional engagement of the driving wheel
Implementation Method 3
a driving wheel provided at the first end portion on the first side of the vehicle body for frictional engagement with an inner surface of said track system to move the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A toy track system for a toy car to move therein and along having a plurality of tube sections including at least first and second tube sections which are connectable endwise together to form part of the toy track system; and a connection module comprising: coupling means having first and second coupling parts which are provided on the first and second tube sections respectively and are inter-engageable with each other to prevent axial separation between the first and second tube sections; and interlocking means having first and second interlocking parts which are provided on the first and second tube sections respectively and are inter-engageable with each other to fix the first and second tube sections in one predetermined angular position relative to each other selected from at least two predetermined angular positions. The car has a wheel, a motor, gears, a presser, principal guiding members and auxiliary guiding members.