Toy Bow Elastic Element UV Shielding and Safety Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy bow and arrow systems face safety hazards due to the failure mode of traditional bows breaking when overdrawn, and elastic strings degrade quickly when exposed to UV light, leading to reduced toy durability and consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A toy bow assembly with a bow structure featuring sheathed areas to protect elastic elements from ambient light, using two separate loading loops with elastic elements that stretch to launch projectiles, reducing the risk of overstretching and breakage, and preventing UV degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the bow uses a traditional rigid structure with fixed string length, then the bow can provide strong launching force, but the bow arms or string may break when drawn beyond limit, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the bow structure from rigid to flexible by using an flexible bow body that can bend backward when overdrawn. This parameter change allows the bow to absorb excessive energy through deformation rather than breaking, maintaining both launching force and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the bow system by allowing the bow arms to flex and the string to extend beyond fixed limits. The flexible bow body can dynamically adjust its shape during drawing and launching, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that safely handles energy variations.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic string is made from synthetic polymer to provide elasticity, then the bow can function as a launching device, but UV light exposure causes rapid degradation and breakage, reducing toy durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining synthetic polymer elastic string with UV protective coatings or treatments. This composite approach maintains the elastic properties needed for functioning while adding UV resistance to prevent degradation, thereby extending toy durability without sacrificing operational elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses UV degradation by making the elastic string replaceable. When the string degrades from UV exposure, users can simply replace it rather than discarding the entire bow, effectively managing the limited lifespan of UV-exposed elastic materials while maintaining overall toy durability and value.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic string is constantly under tension to maintain readiness, then the bow is ready for immediate use, but material creep or degradation causes the string to break, stopping functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective actions by coating or treating the elastic string with materials that prevent creep and degradation before use. This preliminary protection allows the string to remain under tension for extended periods without breaking, maintaining both readiness and functional stability.
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 design enhances safety by preventing the elastic elements from whipping towards the user upon breakage and extends the lifespan of the toy bow by shielding the elastic elements from UV light, ensuring consistent performance and consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
Both the first arm section and the second arm section have sheathed areas that are protected from ambient light... wherein the first sheathed area shields the first elastic element from exposure to ambient light... wherein the second sheathed area shields the second elastic element from exposure to ambient light. This prevents the elastic elements from degrading due to exposure of UV light contained in ambient light.
Implementation Method 2
A first elastic element is anchored to the first arm section. The first elastic element extends through the first sheathed area into the central area... Likewise, a second elastic element is anchored to the second arm section. The second elastic element extends through the second sheathed area and into the central area... When the projectile is drawn back, the elastic elements stretch and provide the spring energy needed to launch the projectile into flight when it is released.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy bow assembly that is used to launch toy projectiles. The toy bow assembly includes a bow structure having a first arm section and a second arm section. Both the first arm section and the second arm section have sheathed areas that are protected from ambient light. A central area is disposed between the first arm section and the second arm section. A first elastic element extends through the first sheathed area into the central area, wherein the first sheathed area shields the first elastic element from exposure to ambient light. Likewise, a second elastic element extends through the second sheathed area and into the central area, wherein the second sheathed area shields the second elastic element from exposure to ambient light.