Spring-Loaded Spool for Toy Launcher Elastic Element Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy launcher systems with elastic elements are prone to breakage due to overstretching and degradation from UV exposure, posing safety risks and reducing product lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A toy launcher system featuring a spring-loaded spool with a torsion spring that stores energy as the elastic element unwinds, minimizing exposure to UV light by keeping the elastic element mostly wound and protected within the handle, with a reinforced segment for brief exposure during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the elastic element is kept extended or partially extended for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the exposure to UV light increases causing degradation and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to elastic elementVSAvoidUV light exposure causing degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element is nested around the spool inside the handle, allowing it to be stored in a compact, protected state. The spool acts as a core around which the elastic element is wound, minimizing its exposure to the external environment and UV light while keeping it accessible for launch operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure acts as a protective enclosure that shields the elastic element from UV light exposure. By keeping the elastic element contained within the handle during storage and transport, the harmful UV radiation is blocked, preventing degradation while maintaining operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Power

If the elastic element is made longer to increase launch velocity, then the power is improved, but the risk of breakage and harmful effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch velocityVSAvoidbroken elastic element flying toward user

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spool provides a compact storage mechanism that contains the full length of the elastic element in a small space within the handle. This allows a long elastic element to be stored safely without extending beyond the handle, eliminating the hazard of a long, exposed elastic element that could snap back and injure the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful function of the elastic element (potential to snap back and injure) is separated from its useful function (launching projectiles). By winding the elastic element around the spool, the dangerous extended state is removed, and only the controlled launch function remains active during brief operational moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the elastic element is repeatedly stretched and released, then the productivity is improved, but the durability decreases due to fatigue and UV degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of launch cyclesVSAvoidlifespan of elastic element

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spool provides a protected storage environment where the elastic element rests between launch cycles. This minimizes exposure to environmental factors like UV light and reduces mechanical stress from constant extension, allowing the elastic element to withstand more launch cycles before fatigue sets in.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element undergoes periodic stretching and releasing only during active launch cycles, while remaining in a protected, non-stressed state for extended periods between uses. This intermittent usage pattern, combined with protected storage, significantly extends the lifespan compared to continuous exposure and stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 system effectively launches projectiles with stored energy while minimizing elastic element degradation, enhancing safety and extending product lifespan by reducing UV exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The spool is spring biased by a torsion spring. As the elastic element unwinds from the spool, the spool rotates in opposition of the torsion spring and stores spring energy in the torsion spring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

the energy stored in the stretched elastic element and the energy stored in the torsion spring are simultaneously released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10012469B2Handheld toy projectile launcher with spring loaded spool

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 KMA CONCEPTS

AI summary

A launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided that contains a handle and an elastic element that extends from the handle. A spool is provided inside the handle. The spool is spring biased by a torsion spring. The elastic element is anchored to the spool inside the handle and is at least partially wound around the spool. As the elastic element unwinds from the spool, the spool rotates in opposition of the torsion spring and stores spring energy in the torsion spring. The elastic element has a free end that extends out of the handle. The free end is terminated with a connector. A toy projectile is provided. The toy projectile has a receptacle that selectively receives the connector.