Reconfigurable Toy Track Set with Nested Transport Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy vehicle track sets with multiple segments are difficult to transport and store due to their complexity and lack of self-contained design.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable toy vehicle track set that transforms between a racing configuration and a transport configuration, where track segments can be coupled to form a continuous raceway and then rearranged to create a compact, rectilinear structure for easy storage and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual track segments are used to create reconfigurable raceways, then play value and racing options are improved, but transportation and storage difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurable raceway optionsVSAvoidtransportation and storage ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The track segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed into a linear configuration, allowing multiple segments to be stored compactly within the space of a single segment's extended length. This nesting capability directly addresses the transportation and storage difficulty while preserving the reconfigurable racing options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The track segments incorporate movable joints and flexible connections that allow the structure to dynamically transition between extended racing configurations and collapsed storage configurations. This dynamic capability enables the track set to adapt its form factor based on whether it is being used for play or transported/stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If track segments are made separable for reconfiguration, then racing layout flexibility is improved, but structural stability during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveracing layout flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The track segments include pre-designed connection interfaces and alignment features that automatically engage when segments are brought together during collapse. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms ensures that segments remain securely connected during transport without requiring additional stabilization actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The track set is divided into modular segments with standardized connection interfaces that provide both flexibility for reconfiguration and stability when connected. The segmentation allows individual segments to be separated for racing layout changes while maintaining secure connections during transport through the standardized interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10518185B1Reconfigurable toy vehicle track set

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 MATTEL INC

AI summary

A toy vehicle track set is provided. The toy vehicle track set comprises a plurality of track segments. Each track segment of the plurality of track segments has a coupling portion and a plurality of lanes for toy vehicles to race along. The plurality of track segments may be collectively positioned in a racing configuration or a transport configuration. The track segments are coupled together to form a multi-lane raceway in the racing configuration. One or more track segments of the plurality of track segments are positioned to form a rectilinear transport structure in the transport configuration.