Toy Bow With Segmented Elastic Elements And Internal Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Toy bow and arrow systems face safety hazards due to string breakage when overdrawn, and elastic strings degrade quickly when exposed to UV light, leading to reduced toy lifespan and consumer dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A toy bow assembly with a rigid bow structure and two separate elastic elements, each anchored to a translucent arm section with internal lighting that emits light within the green and red spectrum, shielding the elastic elements from UV light and preventing overstretching or simultaneous breakage, while providing enhanced aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the bow uses a fixed-length string with spring force from flexing arms, then the bow can launch arrows effectively, but the bow may break when drawn beyond its limit causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrow launching forceVSAvoidbow structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bow is divided into two separate elastic elements instead of one continuous string. This segmentation ensures that if one element breaks, the other remains intact to prevent catastrophic failure and maintain safety. The separate elements are anchored to the bow structure at different points, creating independent failure zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bow structure includes predetermined failure points or stress relief features that allow controlled deformation before complete failure. This cushioning mechanism prevents sudden catastrophic breakage by distributing stress and allowing gradual energy release, reducing the risk of dangerous snap-back effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the elastic string is made from synthetic polymer, then the toy bow can function repeatedly, but UV light exposure causes rapid degradation and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoy functionalityVSAvoidUV light degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A translucent protective covering or sheath is applied over the elastic elements to shield them from UV light exposure. This thin film barrier prevents direct contact between UV radiation and the synthetic polymer, significantly slowing degradation while maintaining the visual appeal of the bow through its translucent properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bow string system uses composite construction combining UV-resistant materials with the elastic synthetic polymer. This may involve coating the elastic elements with UV-inhibiting layers or using hybrid material structures that provide both elasticity and UV protection, extending the service life of the toy in outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the bow structure is made static, then safety is improved by preventing breakage, but the aesthetic appeal and functionality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The bow incorporates translucent areas that can change appearance through internal lighting. LEDs or other light sources are integrated into the bow structure, illuminating the translucent sections to create dynamic visual effects that enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining the safety benefits of a controlled, non-catastrophic failure mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 enhances safety by preventing elastic elements from whipping towards the user upon breakage and extends the lifespan of the toy bow by protecting the elastic elements from UV degradation, maintaining functionality and consumer satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

The first arm section shields the first elastic element from exposure to ambient light. Likewise, a second elastic element is anchored to the second arm section. The second arm section shields the second elastic element from exposure to ambient light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Lights are disposed within both the first arm section and the second arm section. The lights internally illuminate the translucent areas of the first arm section and second arm section when activated.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9522321B2Toy bow and arrow system with internal bow lighting

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 KMA CONCEPTS

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 contain at least one translucent area. Lights are disposed within both the first arm section and the second arm section. The lights internally illuminate the translucent areas of the first arm section and second arm section when activated. An activation switch is disposed on the bow structure for selectively activating and deactivating the lights.