Toy Surfboard Fin Mechanism and Coupling for Pose Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accessories that can reconfigure toy figures to provide enhanced play options and simulate different scenarios, such as surfing and mermaid configurations, while allowing for various poses and movements.
Innovation Solution
A toy figure assembly comprising a toy figure and a toy surfboard that can be coupled in multiple orientations, including surfer and mermaid configurations, with a handle for user manipulation, and a fin mechanism that is retractable and extendable to facilitate different play scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the toy surfboard includes a fin mechanism that is retractable and extendable, then the adaptability and versatility of the toy figure assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin mechanism is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing the surfboard to adapt to different play scenarios. The fin can be extended for surfing configurations and retracted for storage or alternative uses, providing dynamic functionality without requiring multiple separate toys.
Solution Approach 2:
The surfboard is designed with a universal fin mechanism that serves multiple functions: providing hydrodynamic stability during surfing play, enabling the board to be stored flat, and allowing transformation into mermaid configurations. This single mechanism supports multiple play scenarios rather than requiring separate components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in multiple orientations, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a coupler on the surfboard that can engage with different parts of the toy figure (feet for standing orientation, torso for lying orientation). This segmentation allows multiple coupling configurations without requiring a single complex universal joint, making each coupling point simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the toy figure to be attached in multiple orientations (standing surfing, lying paddling, mermaid configurations). The coupler can engage with different body parts depending on the desired configuration, providing operational flexibility without permanent structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fabric member and toy surfboard form a pocket to receive the legs of the toy figure, then the adaptability for mermaid configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket structure is merged with the surfboard itself rather than being a separate component. The fabric member is coupled to the surfboard to form an integrated pocket that receives the toy figure's legs, combining the surfboard structure with the mermaid tail formation. This integration reduces the need for separate structural elements while achieving the desired configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is formed using a flexible fabric member that can conform to different positions and configurations. The fabric's flexibility allows it to create the mermaid tail shape when the toy figure's legs are inserted, providing the necessary adaptability without requiring rigid structural support. The fabric can be stretched and positioned to achieve the mermaid appearance while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure assembly is disclosed. The toy figure assembly includes a toy figure and a toy surfboard that can be used with the toy figure. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in an upright or surfing orientation that simulates the toy figure surfing on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in a lying orientation that simulates the toy figure paddling on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, a handle is coupleable to the toy figure to allow a user to move the toy figure into different poses.