Toy Base Plate with Collapsible Handle for Mobile Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy construction base plates are not suitable for representing moving objects, as they make constructions immobile and can be fragile, especially for children with limited dexterity who may accidentally break them while handling delicate models like airplanes or spaceships.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible handle integrated into the base plate that can pivot from a stowed position to a deployed position, allowing users to hold and move toy constructions while providing incremental stops for support and sensory feedback, enabling the simulation of movement without damaging the constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional base plate is used to support toy constructions, then the construction has a stable platform for building, but the construction becomes immobile and cannot be easily moved or handled
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate incorporates a collapsible handle that can transition between extended and retracted positions, transforming the static base plate into a dynamic structure. When the handle is extended, the base plate becomes mobile and can be easily carried; when retracted, the base plate provides a stable platform for building constructions.
2Ease of operation
If children handle delicate toy constructions directly to simulate movement, then the construction can be moved around, but the fragile parts may break due to limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible handle serves as an intermediary tool between the child and the delicate construction. Instead of directly gripping fragile parts like wings or tails, children grasp the sturdy handle to move the construction, eliminating the risk of breaking delicate components while maintaining the ability to simulate movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base plate is designed to be wide and flat for stable building, then it provides a good building surface, but it cannot represent moving objects effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a stable building platform when the handle is retracted, and as a mobile carrier when the handle is extended. This allows the same base plate to effectively represent both stationary structures and moving objects, increasing its adaptability across different play scenarios.
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 collapsible handle allows for safe handling and movement of toy constructions, providing stability and support, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing play experience, especially for children, while maintaining the structural integrity of the models.
Implementation Method 1
flexible, resilient arms at the hinge of the collapsible handle, which impede pivoting of the handle at the stop point. The resilient arms may temporarily deflect in response to a rotational force applied by a user to cause the handle to 'click' through the stop point
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks.