Toy Projectile Vented Suction Cup Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectile toys with suction cup heads face issues with damage when attempting to dislodge the suction cup, as they require significant force and can lead to the suction cup separating from the toy, potentially causing injury.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a projectile toy with a suction cup assembly that features an automatic vent valve, which only vents when a pull force is applied, allowing for easy detachment without damaging the toy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong suction cups are used to support the weight of the projectile and prevent immediate detachment, then the suction cup adheres strongly to smooth surfaces, but significant force is required to dislodge the suction cup which can damage the lightweight toy body and cause the suction cup to separate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup system automatically vents when pulled, without requiring manual intervention. The pull force itself activates the venting mechanism through relative motion between the cup and body, allowing the system to self-regulate and prevent damage while maintaining strong adhesion during normal use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the suction cup from sealed to vented based on the applied force. When pull force is applied, the relative motion between cup and body opens the vent valve, changing the pressure parameter inside the cup and enabling easy detachment without damaging the lightweight structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If vented suction cups are used to enable easy detachment, then the suction cup can be removed with minimal force, but the suction cup only sticks to surfaces for a few seconds before detaching automatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidadhesion duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The venting mechanism transitions from static (always vented or never vented) to dynamic (vents only when pulled). The system adapts its state based on the applied force, remaining sealed during normal use to maintain adhesion, and automatically venting when detachment force is applied

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The suction cup automatically detects when detachment force is applied and activates the venting mechanism itself through relative motion between the cup and body, eliminating the need for manual venting controls while preventing premature detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual venting valves with external controls are used, then the suction cup can be vented when desired, but the controls create high protrusions that could cause injury and children are unlikely to use the mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing controlVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the external manual controls (levers, butterfly nuts, turn caps) that protrude from the suction cup exterior. The venting function is extracted from manual operation and integrated into the structure, activating automatically through relative motion between the cup and body when pulled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting mechanism serves itself by automatically activating through the pull force applied during detachment. No external control is needed—the relative motion between cup and body during pulling automatically opens the vent valve, eliminating protruding controls that could cause injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables the projectile toy to be safely and easily removed from surfaces without causing damage to the toy, enhancing play value and safety by reducing the risk of injury from detached suction cups.

Implementation Method 1

a cup structure capable of adhering to a surface with suction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a vent valve for venting the suction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenting:

Data Source

PatentUS12311283B2Toy projectile with vented suction cup head

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 RANDOM MILLS LLC

AI summary

A projectile toy with a body and at least one suction cup. Each suction cup assembly has a cup structure capable of adhering to a surface with suction and a vent valve for venting the suction. The vent valve automatically vents the cup structure only when a pull force is applied to the body. The vent valve is normally closed. When the body of the projectile toy is pulled, the suction cup moves relative to the body and opens the vent valve. In this manner, the toy projectile can be easily pulled from surfaces without damaging the toy projectile.