Rotating Inner Structure for Foldable Toy Shape Change
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy designs lack innovative mechanisms for dynamic shape change, which limits their play value and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a foldable material with an inner connection structure that rotates relative to an outer connection structure, allowing the material to change shape by folding or unfolding, thereby enhancing play value and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static toy design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the play value and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a rotatable inner connection structure that enables the foldable material to change shape dynamically. The inner connection structure can rotate relative to the outer connection structure, transforming the static foldable material into a dynamic component that can adapt its shape, thereby increasing play value and versatility without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner connection structure rotates to change the foldable material shape, then the play value increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection structure into two distinct parts: an inner connection structure and an outer connection structure. This segmentation allows the inner structure to rotate independently relative to the outer structure, enabling shape change functionality while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by positioning the inner connection structure within the outer connection structure. The inner connection structure is received within a cavity of the outer connection structure, creating a nested arrangement that enables rotational movement while maintaining a compact overall form factor and reducing perceived complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foldable material is attached to both inner and outer connection structures, then the shape change is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a foldable material that functions as a flexible element connecting the inner and outer connection structures. The foldable material's flexibility allows it to accommodate shape changes while maintaining connections to both structures, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a foldable material including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion at least partially surrounding the first portion; an inner connection structure; and an outer connection structure. The inner connection structure is configured to rotate relative to the outer connection structure; at least part of the first portion of the foldable material is attached to the inner connection structure and at least part of the second portion of the foldable material is attached to the outer connection structure; and the foldable material changes shape when the inner connection structure rotates relative to the outer connection structure.