Spring-Mounted Soccer Game Figures for Fast-Paced Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soccer game boards are often costly and limited in availability to a wide audience, with complex mechanisms or static figures that restrict gameplay, particularly in allowing simultaneous movement of multiple figures and fast-paced actions like 'fast breaks'.
Innovation Solution
A soccer game board with spring-mounted figure dolls that can move in slots on the board, allowing for kicking and rotational movements, enabling multiple figures to be played simultaneously and facilitating fast-paced gameplay through a combination of spring-mediated momentum transfer and adjustable slot configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-mounted movable figure dolls are used, then the game becomes more engaging and interactive, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The figure doll is divided into separate components: a body portion and a spring mechanism. The spring is inserted into a cavity in the body and secured with a retainer, allowing the figure to be assembled from simple, inexpensive parts rather than requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-mounted figure automatically returns to its upright position after being pushed down by a player's finger. The spring stores energy when compressed and releases it to restore the figure's position, eliminating the need for motors, batteries, or complex control mechanisms while maintaining interactivity.
2Productivity
If multiple figures are allowed to move simultaneously, then the game becomes more dynamic and exciting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The game board is divided into multiple independent slots, each containing its own spring-mounted figure. Each slot operates independently with simple spring mechanisms, allowing multiple figures to move simultaneously without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-mounted figures provide dynamic movement where each figure can be independently activated by players. The figures automatically return to their starting positions through the spring mechanism, enabling continuous rapid play with multiple figures without complex reset mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hexagonal path arrangements are used, then multiple paths are provided, but fast breaks are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The game board uses separate parallel slots instead of interconnected hexagonal paths. Each slot provides a direct, unobstructed path from one end of the board to the other, allowing figures to move quickly without navigating complex geometric patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single continuous hexagonal path that forces figures to change direction, the design inverts the approach by providing multiple independent linear slots. This allows figures to move in straight lines at maximum speed while still providing path variety through the parallel arrangement of multiple slots.
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 solution enables a low-cost, accessible soccer game experience with movable figures, allowing for complex and fast-paced actions like 'fast breaks', enhancing player interaction and game dynamics while maintaining affordability.
Implementation Method 1
a player pulling back slightly on the spring and the spring-mediated return action impinging on the 'soccer ball' object and transferring momentum to the 'soccer ball' object
Implementation Method 2
transferring momentum to the 'soccer ball' object
Data Source
AI summary
A fast-moving soccer/football action game with figures moving on a board; two players face off against each other. Each player controls two action figures plus a goalie. Miniaturized soccer play, just in time for the international soccer championship playoffs. A partial-boxed game board is laid out in professional soccer markings. Each of the action figures can “kick” a ball by hand-activated spring-action of the figures. A goalie figure can be made stationary or move to block shot on goal. A miniature ball or marble or a more flattened ball-object is used.