Toy Spinning Top with Nested Figurine Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy spinning tops with figurines face issues of the figurine or connected elements being easily lost when the spinning top impacts other objects, and there is a need for a simpler mechanism that protects the figurine and allows it to be spun without a launch device.
Innovation Solution
A toy spinning top design with a frusto-conically shaped spinner body that securely houses a toy figurine, allowing torque transfer while protecting it from impacts, featuring a sidewall height that covers the figurine's body parts below the top rim, and optional features like spiralling ledges and connection means for building elements, enabling easy assembly and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the toy figurine is placed in an ejector mechanism or bow shaped receptacle without protection, then the spinning top can rotate freely, but the toy figurine or connected elements are easily lost when the spinning top impacts other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the toy figurine inside a protective cavity formed by the sidewall and bottom wall of the spinning top. The figurine is nested within the spinner body structure, which protects it during impact while allowing the entire assembly to rotate freely as a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing connection means (protrusions on the spinning top and corresponding recesses on the figurine) before impact occurs. These pre-positioned connection features ensure that the figurine is securely attached to the spinning top before any impact event, preventing loss without requiring complex launch or ejection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a full transparent cover is arranged over and lockable to the rotor to protect the toy figurine, then the toy figurine is protected, but the mechanism becomes complex requiring launch devices and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural body of the spinning top. The sidewall and bottom wall together form an integrated protective cavity that houses the figurine, eliminating the need for separate transparent covers, locking mechanisms, or complex launch devices. The protection is built into the basic structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential protective function from complex mechanical systems (covers, locks, launch devices) and implements it through a simple geometric cavity formed by the sidewall and bottom wall. This extraction simplifies the mechanism while maintaining the core protective function.
3Reliability
If the sidewall height covers over a major part of the toy figurine, then the toy figurine is protected against impact, but the accessibility for torque transfer may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of protection for different parts of the figurine. The sidewall height covers over a major part (but not all) of the figurine, providing impact protection where needed while leaving the upper portion accessible for torque transfer operations. This localized approach optimizes both protection and operability.
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 ensures the toy figurine is securely protected and accessible for spinning, preventing loss during impacts and allowing for easy customization with additional building elements, enhancing play experience without the complexity of launch devices.
Implementation Method 1
the sidewall has a height from said inner bottom surface to said top rim which extends over a major part of the height of said toy figurine
Implementation Method 2
the inner bottom surface comprises first connection means for releasably connecting second connection means formed on the toy figurine to the toy spinning top; and allowing transfer of torque from said toy figurine to said toy spinning top
Data Source
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AI summary
A toy spinning top and toy system with a toy spinning top and a toy figurine The invention concerns a toy spinning top for a toy system, said toy system comprising a toy figurine, wherein said toy spinning top comprises a spinner body with an elongate axis; a sidewall; and a bottom wall, wherein said sidewall of the spinner body comprises a top rim; an outside surface; and an inside surface, wherein said bottom wall comprises an outside bottom surface; and an inside bottom surface, wherein the inner bottom surface comprises first connection means for releasably connecting second connection means of said toy figurine to the toy spinning top, wherein said sidewall has a height from said inner bottom surface o said top rim, and wherein the height from said inner bottom surface to said top rim is equal a height of the toy figurine from second connection means formed at one end of legs to a shoulder portion of a body formed between the legs and a head resting on said shoulder portion.