Motorized Ball Pushing Mechanism With Automatic Reset

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ball pushing toys require manual resetting of the pushing member after each use, which reduces player engagement due to the time-consuming nature of the process.

Innovation Solution

A ball pushing mechanism equipped with an electric drive assembly that automatically resets the pushing member, allowing for fully automatic operation without manual intervention, utilizing a motor and gear train to control the sliding motion of the pushing member through various states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual resetting of the pushing member is used, then the structure is simple, but the player engagement decreases due to time-consuming operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing member automatically resets itself after each pushing action through the elastic member's restoring force, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy to return the pushing member to its initial position, thereby improving player engagement without requiring additional complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical resetting with an automatic mechanical system using an elastic member (spring). The elastic member stores energy during the pushing action and automatically restores the pushing member to its initial position, substituting human operation with a self-contained mechanical system that improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automatic resetting mechanism is added, then player engagement improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing member automatically resets itself after each pushing action through the elastic member's restoring force, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy to return the pushing member to its initial position, thereby improving player engagement without requiring additional complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing member performs periodic automatic resetting after each pushing action. The elastic member is compressed during the pushing phase and then expands to return the pushing member to its initial position, creating a natural periodic cycle of push-reset-push that achieves automatic operation with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of moving object

If the pushing member is manually reset, then the structure remains simple, but the playtime enjoyment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaytime enjoymentVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing member automatically resets itself after each pushing action through the elastic member's restoring force, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy to return the pushing member to its initial position, thereby improving player engagement without requiring additional complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic resetting mechanism ensures continuous playability by eliminating idle time between pushes. While the pushing member is being automatically reset by the elastic member, the player can immediately prepare for the next interaction, maintaining continuous useful action and enhancing overall playtime enjoyment without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 player interaction and maintains interest by enabling fully automatic operation of the pushing member, reducing the need for manual resetting and improving playtime enjoyment.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (4) provided between the pushing member (2) and an interior of the housing (1), wherein the elastic member (4) is in a compressed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the electric drive assembly includes a motor (31) and a gear train (32)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a tooth meshing portion (321) is provided on an output end gear (32) of the gear train (32), and a rack portion (25) is provided on the pushing member (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS20260084071A1Ball pushing mechanism and ball pushing toy

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 CHEN HONGJIA

AI summary

A ball pushing mechanism and a ball pushing toy include a housing, a pushing member and an electric drive assembly. The housing has a cavity and a communication port communicating with the cavity, the pushing member is slidably disposed in the cavity, an elastic member is provided between the pushing member and an interior of the housing, and the pushing member is capable of extending out of the communication port or retracting from the communication port into the cavity. The electric drive assembly is disposed in the cavity, the electric drive assembly and the pushing member are in transmission fit, and the electric drive assembly can drive the pushing member to slide.