Multi-directional Launcher with Rack Mechanism for High-Speed Top Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top launchers are laborious for children to operate, lack versatility in launching speeds, and cannot launch tops in multiple directions or reverse directions, making them less engaging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional launcher with a movable launcher body that can switch between launch positions, featuring a direction-changing driver and a launching driver with a unidirectional transmission, allowing for upward and downward launches, and incorporating a suction cup module for secure top retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed launchers use large pulling force to accelerate tops, then launching speed is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates making it difficult for children to pull
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rack mechanism as an intermediary between the user's pulling action and the top's acceleration. The rack converts rotational motion of the handle into linear motion that directly accelerates the top, eliminating the need for large pulling forces while maintaining high launching speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional rope-pulling mechanical system with a rack-and-handle mechanical system. This substitution allows for more efficient force transmission and enables children to operate the launcher easily while still achieving high-speed launches
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional launchers are designed for single-direction launching, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot launch tops in reverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the launcher with a symmetric rack structure that can accelerate tops in both forward and reverse directions. The same mechanical components serve multiple functions by simply changing the direction of handle rotation, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the launcher dynamic by allowing the rack to move bidirectionally along the top's axis. This dynamic capability enables the launcher to adapt to different launching directions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structural framework
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 play experience by allowing easy operation for children, enabling multiple launching directions, and providing a fun and competitive experience with high-speed top launches.
Implementation Method 1
the flip elastic member is connected between the hand-held portion and the launcher body, and configured to accumulate energy when the launcher body turns toward the first launch position and release energy when the launcher body turns toward the second launch position
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a suction cup module for secure top retention
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-directional launcher (1000) includes: a hand-held portion (100); a launcher body (200) movably disposed on the hand-held portion (100) and having at least a first launch position and a second launch position; a launcher head assembly comprising a rotating body and a retaining member, the rotating body being disposed on the launcher body (200) in a freely rotatable manner, and the retaining member being disposed on the rotating body for retaining or releasing an object to be launched; and a direction-changing driver (400) connected between the hand-held portion (100) and the launcher body (200) and capable of driving the launcher body (200) to change from the first launch position to the second launch position upon triggering. The launcher head assembly of the multi-directional launcher (1000) is vertically flippable with respect to the hand-held portion (100), enabling upward and downward flipping modes. The launcher head assembly cooperates with the direction-changing driver (400) to realize upward and downward launching of the object to be launched, thereby providing novel experience to users, and increasing enjoyability of a toy.