Rotatable Toy Track Segment with Pivot Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy vehicle track sets lack innovative features to provide unique and dynamic paths for toy vehicles to travel on, limiting imaginative play and excitement.
Innovation Solution
A track set design featuring rotatable track segments, a release device, and a rotating arm assembly with a center of gravity bias, allowing for sequential rotation and movement of carriages and ramps to create varied paths, enabling toy vehicles to transition between different track segments and engage in complex routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed track sets are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the paths for toy vehicles are limited and lack variety
Solution Approach 1:
The track set incorporates movable and rotatable track segments that can change position dynamically. Specifically, track segments are connected via pivots allowing them to rotate between different positions (first position, second position, third position), and carriages can rotate about their pivots as the track segments move. This dynamic configuration enables multiple path variations without requiring complex interchangeable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The track set is divided into multiple independent track segments that can move and rotate separately. Each track segment is connected to others through pivots, allowing individual segments to change position while remaining part of the overall track structure. This segmentation enables flexible path creation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable track segments and carriages are added, then dynamic paths are created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track set utilizes the weight of the toy vehicle itself to drive the mechanical movements. As the vehicle travels along the track, its weight causes the track segments to rotate about their pivots and the carriages to rotate, eliminating the need for external motors or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself using the vehicle's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating arm assembly incorporates a counterweight positioned to balance the system. The counterweight is arranged so that when the track segment rotates from the first position to the second position, the combined center of gravity of the track segment and counterweight remains substantially stationary, reducing stress on the pivot and enabling smooth rotation.
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 providing dynamic and varied paths for toy vehicles, allowing for extended and imaginative play scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A first track segment has a first pivot, the first track segment rotatable about the first pivot from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
the first track segment rotatable about the first pivot from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 3
A carriage is rotationally coupled to an end of the first track segment by a second pivot, the carriage configured to rotate about the second pivot as the first track segment rotates from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 4
the carriage configured to rotate about the second pivot as the first track segment rotates from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 5
the rotating arm assembly has a center of gravity on a side of the first pivot opposite the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A track set is provided. The track set includes a first track segment and a carriage. The first track segment has a first pivot and is rotatable about the first pivot from a first position to a second position. The carriage is rotationally coupled to an end of the first track segment by a second pivot. The carriage is configured to rotate about the second pivot as the first track segment rotates from the first position to the second position.