Rolling Element Action Toy With Manual Arm-Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing action toys lack features that enhance play interest and are often battery-dependent, limiting their simplicity and usability.
Innovation Solution
A counter-balanced action toy design featuring a rolling element that rotates on an axle, causing a pin to actuate an arm cam, resulting in back-and-forth arm movement, with a handle actuator allowing for manual activation without batteries, and a braking mechanism to control the rolling element's speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If action toys use battery-dependent mechanisms to produce movements, then the movements can be controlled and sustained, but the simplicity and ease of use are reduced due to battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element serves dual purposes: it is both the moving component that propels the toy forward and the actuator that drives the arm movements. By rolling on its side, the rolling element rotates the pin, which actuates the arm cam to produce punching or fighting movements, eliminating the need for separate battery-powered motors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the propulsion mechanism for moving the toy, the rotation actuator for triggering arm movements, and the energy source for the entire system. This multi-functionality removes the need for dedicated battery compartments and electrical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If action toys are designed with complex mechanisms to enhance play interest, then the entertainment value increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the propulsion system and the actuation system into a single integrated mechanism. The rolling element's rotation, which naturally occurs during movement, is directly coupled to the pin that actuates the arm cam. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors, batteries, and control circuits that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element that transfers rotational motion from the rolling element to the arm cam. As the rolling element rotates, the pin engages with the arm cam's cam surface, converting the rolling motion into the reciprocating arm movements needed for punching or fighting actions.
3Ease of operation
If the rolling element rotates freely without control, then the arm movements are continuous, but the speed control and stopping capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism is designed to be automatically activated by the user's natural interaction with the toy. When the user catches or stops the rolling element with their hand, the friction from the user's hand provides the braking force, eliminating the need for separate brake actuators or control systems.
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 design enhances play interest by simulating fighting or punching movements without battery dependency, providing a simple and engaging user experience through manual activation and controlled arm movements.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling element configured to rotate on or relative to the counter-balanced frame about an axis, such as an axis defined by an axle
Implementation Method 2
An arm cam is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the counter-balanced frame and adapted to contact the pin of the rolling element
Implementation Method 3
a counter-balanced frame including a counter balance coupled to a first end of the counter-balanced frame
Implementation Method 4
a braking mechanism to control the rolling element's speed
Data Source
AI summary
A toy includes a counter-balanced frame including a counter balance coupled to a first end of the counter-balanced frame and a cover coupled to the counter-balanced frame. An axle is coupled to and extends through the counter-balanced frame, and the axle is configured to rotate relative to the counter-balanced frame. A rolling element is configured to rotate relative to the counter-balanced frame about an axis. The rolling element includes a pin extending from an outer surface of the rolling element generally parallel to and offset from the axle. An arm cam is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the counter-balanced frame and adapted to contact the pin of the rolling element, and an arm is connected to the arm cam, the arm being located outside of the cover. Upon rolling of the rolling element the pin causes the arm cam to actuate relative to the cover to produce arm movement.