Series Coupled Yo-Yo System with Modular Axle Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Yo-Yos lack structural enhancements that impact their function and physical motion, and there is a need for systems and methods that allow multiple Yo-Yos to operate in conjunction with each other effectively.

Innovation Solution

The system comprises multiple Yo-Yos connected by strings that can be wrapped or unwound around axle segments, allowing for simultaneous linear and angular movement, with adjustable string lengths and weights to control rotational and translational motion, and incorporating additional features like string separators and balancing mechanisms to minimize precession.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple Yo-Yos are connected in series with strings wrapped around multiple axle segments, then the system achieves enhanced stability and control over rotational and translational motion, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability and control over motionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Yo-Yo system is divided into multiple discrete components (first Yo-Yo with first/second disks and first/second axle segments, second Yo-Yo with third disk and third axle segment) connected by strings. Each segment can rotate independently around its axle while being coupled to others through the string-wrapped-around-axle mechanism, allowing complex motion to be decomposed into simpler rotational and translational components that can be controlled separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a nested configuration where the first string is wrapped around both the first axle segment and the second axle segment, and the second string connects the second axle segment to the third axle segment. This nesting of string paths around multiple axles creates a coupled system where rotation of one Yo-Yo influences the motion of others, enhancing stability through distributed rotational inertia while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If strings are wrapped around multiple axle segments to enable simultaneous linear and angular movement, then the versatility of motion modes increases, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of motion modesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic switching between different motion modes by controlling which string is pulled and how. The first string wrapped around the first and second axle segments enables coupled rotation of the first and second Yo-Yos, while the second string wrapped around the second and third axle segments enables alternative coupling patterns. This dynamic reconfigurability through string manipulation provides versatile motion control while maintaining relative ease of operation through intuitive pulling actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each string serves multiple functions: the first string both connects the first Yo-Yo to the second Yo-Yo and provides the interface for user input, while also being wrapped around multiple axle segments to enable different rotational coupling patterns. The second string similarly provides both structural connection and motion control capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If additional Yo-Yos and strings are added to the system, then the duration of operation is extended through synchronized hand frequency, but the loss of energy increases due to additional friction and air resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of operationVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends operation duration by creating a coupled oscillatory system where multiple Yo-Yos rotate in sequence, transferring energy back and forth between them. The strings wrapped around multiple axle segments create continuous mechanical coupling that maintains motion through coordinated rotation, allowing the system to sustain operation longer than a single Yo-Yo by distributing energy storage across multiple rotating masses and reducing the frequency of complete energy dissipation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages energy loss by changing the effective moment of inertia parameter through the configuration of multiple Yo-Yos with different disk masses and radii. By distributing mass across multiple components connected by strings, the system increases rotational inertia, which reduces the rate of energy dissipation from friction and air resistance. The parameter optimization of string lengths and axle segment positions further minimizes energy loss while maximizing operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enables enhanced stability and control over the motion of multiple Yo-Yos, allowing for specific desired motions and extended operation by synchronizing with the operator's hand frequency, while rejecting unwanted frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

The string tension force and the weight of the two discs cause the rotational and translational motion of Yo-Yo

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The string tension force and the weight of the two discs cause the rotational and translational motion of Yo-Yo

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

Rotational energy in particular helps to preserve the rotational plane of the Yo-Yo

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular momentum: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 4

When up and down motion of the hand is initiated the string is wrapped or unwrapped around the axle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10413837B2Systems of strongly coupled Yo-Yos
Publication Date: 2019.09.17 PANCE KRISTI
  • US10413837B2 patent drawing
  • US10413837B2 patent drawing
  • US10413837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system of strongly coupled multiple Yo-Yos in series is disclosed in which very string that connects the successive Yo-Yos may be wrapped around Yo-Yos respective axles and therefore can be wound or unwound on both ends at the same time. Accordingly, both ends of the strings and their respective Yo-Yos may move with different speeds and accelerations. Yo-Yos in the system have a modular structure. The system also can be constructed with modular pieces to provide different operating modes when is set in motion. In embodiments, the Yo-Yos may be connected via the return strings. To ensure the Yo-Yo sides remain with equal length during the operation, a regulating mechanism is provided, and a regulating ring to keep the two sides of the return string in proximity, and assuring a long operation.