Spinning Top Rotation Rate Detection with Attachment Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic spinning-top game devices inaccurately calculate the number of rotations if the spinning top is not properly attached, leading to erroneous detections.

Innovation Solution

A rotation-rate detector system that includes a launcher with a detachment detector to ensure accurate attachment of the spinning top, a counter to count rotations, a clock to measure time, and a rate calculator to calculate the rotation rate based on these measurements, preventing erroneous detections by only initiating detection after the spinning top is securely attached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotation detector continuously detects rotations without attachment detection, then the detection system is simple, but erroneous rotation rate calculations occur when the spinning top is not attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of rotation rate detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachment detector checks attachment status before the rotation detection begins. This preliminary verification ensures that the system only performs rotation measurements when the spinning top is properly attached, preventing erroneous calculations while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detachment detector is integrated into the launcher, then the system structure is simplified, but the detector cannot be used with different launchers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different launchersVSAvoidstructural integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation detector and detachment detector are designed as separate, detachable modules from the launcher. This segmentation allows the detection system to be universally attached to different launcher types while maintaining functional integration during use, achieving versatility without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the detection switch is activated by the spinning top itself, then the attachment detection is automatic, but the rod mechanism adds structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic attachment detectionVSAvoidrod and spring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinning top itself activates the attachment detection by pressing against the rod when properly attached. The system uses the presence and weight of the spinning top to trigger the detection switch, achieving automatic detection without requiring external power sources or complex sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution prevents erroneous rotation rate calculations by ensuring the spinning top is correctly attached, allowing for precise measurement and calculation of the rotation rate, and enables the rotation-rate detector to be used with various launchers, facilitating accurate data logging and user control.

Implementation Method 1

a spring that urges the rod with a predetermined urging force in one direction along the axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one end of the rod is urged by the upper surface of the spinning top attached to the launcher such that the rod moves in the other direction and turns on the detection switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3108946B1Rotational speed detection device for top
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 TOMY CO LTD
  • EP3108946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3108946B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3108946B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a rotation-rate detector for a spinning top with minimum erroneous detections. A rotation-rate detector (information logger 100) detects a rotation rate of a spinning top 300 and is fixed to or detachably attached to a launcher 200. The launcher 200 applies a rotational force to the spinning top 300 attached to the launcher 200 to launch the spinning top 300. The rotation-rate detector includes a detachment detector 130 that detects detachment and attachment of the spinning top 300. The rotation rate of the spinning top 300 is detected after the detachment detector 130 detects attachment of the spinning top 300.