Toy Actuation Assembly Sequencer for Varied Play Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy vehicle track sets lack the ability to provide varied and engaging actuations, leading to limited play value as accessories repeatedly perform the same actions, failing to capture the attention and imagination of users.
Innovation Solution
An actuation assembly featuring a sequencer that randomly controls the actuations of multiple actuators, causing a multi-action play element to execute different play actions at various points along the trackway, increasing play value by creating unpredictable interactions with toy vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional accessory repeatedly acts on a toy vehicle in the same manner, then the accessory performs a simple and reliable function, but the play value is limited and user attention is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The play element transitions from a static position to multiple dynamic positions through the sequencer mechanism. The play element can be in an initial position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position, creating varied interactions with the toy vehicle throughout the track rather than a single repeated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencer is configured to rotate between 0 and 360 degrees in a periodic manner, cycling through different positions. This periodic rotation enables the play element to sequentially perform different actions at different positions, transforming a single repeated action into a series of periodic varied actions that maintain user engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sequencer is added to randomly control actuator actuations, then varied and surprising play patterns are created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequencer serves multiple functions: it controls the timing of actuator actuations, determines which actuators are activated, and creates the random element that produces varied play patterns. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms, managing the complexity while enabling actuation variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencer acts as an intermediary component between the power source and the multiple actuators. It receives power and distributes it to actuators in a controlled, random sequence, mediating the interaction between the simple actuation input and the complex varied outputs, thereby creating actuation variety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple actuators are used to create different play actions, then the action area is extended and engagement is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for a specific play action at a specific location along the track. This segmentation allows the action area to be extended along the track length, with each actuator creating localized interactions that collectively cover a larger action area while maintaining manageable individual component complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation assembly for a toy includes a first actuation component, a second actuation component, a first lever arm, a second lever arm, and a sequencer. The sequencer is configured to be rotated a first amount in response to actuations of the first actuation component and configured to be rotated a second amount in response to selective actuations of the second actuation component. Rotations of the first amount can actuate the first lever arm, while rotations of the second amount can actuate the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The actuation assembly may be included in a toy vehicle track set that includes a trackway along which toy vehicles can drive.