Unitary Resilient Action Figure Torso for Natural Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional posable figures with rigid torsos and ball and socket-type joints fail to accurately simulate life-like movement and poses, particularly complex movements like snowboarding, due to their inability to mimic the natural range of human motion and integration of body part movements.
Innovation Solution
A posable figure with a unitary form made from resilient materials like polyurethane or silicone rubber, featuring a flexible spine and joints at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, allowing for natural articulation and movement, with the spine being slightly stiffer for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plastic material is used for the torso, then structural strength is improved, but natural movement simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to resilient material (such as rubber or silicone) for the torso, allowing the torso to deform and return to its original shape, thereby enabling natural movement simulation while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the elastic properties of the material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where the torso is made of resilient material while other parts (head, arms, legs) may use different materials, creating a hybrid structure that combines the flexibility and natural movement of resilient material with the strength and durability of other materials
2Ease of manufacture
If ball and socket-type joints are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but natural range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the joint mechanism from separate components and integrates it directly into the torso structure, eliminating the need for separate ball and socket joints while achieving more natural range of motion through the resilient material's inherent flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball and socket joint system with a resilient material-based flexible connection, where the elastic deformation of the material provides the necessary range of motion without requiring complex mechanical joint structures
3Ease of manufacture
If parts are not integrally formed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but movement integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torso, head, arms, and legs into a single integrally formed resilient structure, allowing movements to be coordinated and integrated across all body parts through the continuous flexible material, thereby achieving natural movement integration while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molding processes
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 figure achieves a more natural and life-like movement and pose simulation, enabling complex actions like snowboarding, skateboarding, and cycling, with improved integration of body part movements and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The torso is made from a resilient material, such as rubber or silicone, that returns to its original shape after being deformed
Data Source
AI summary
An action figure with a unitary construction, including a spine, upper torso, rib plates, pelvis, legs, shoulders, arms and a head. The action figure is formed from a flexible material to enhance the natural movement of the action figure.