Toy Bow Elastic String UV Protection Sheath

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Solution Overview

Problem

Toy bow and arrow systems face issues with elastic string degradation due to UV light exposure, leading to premature failure and safety hazards, and lack enhanced aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A toy bow assembly with sheathed areas to protect elastic elements from UV light, combined with internal lighting using LEDs that emit no significant UV wavelengths, ensuring the elastic elements remain functional and aesthetically enhanced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the elastic string is exposed to UV light for aesthetic purposes, then the visual appeal is improved, but the elastic string degrades and breaks prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic lightingVSAvoidelastic string durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A UV-blocking barrier (sheath or coating) is introduced as an intermediary between the elastic string and UV light. This barrier allows visible light to pass through for aesthetics while blocking harmful UV wavelengths, thus protecting the elastic string from degradation without compromising the aesthetic lighting effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible transparent sheath or thin film coating is applied to the elastic string. This sheath is transparent to visible light for aesthetic purposes but blocks UV radiation, providing protection while maintaining the visual appeal of the illuminated string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the elastic string is made stronger to prevent breakage, then the reliability is improved, but the string becomes stiffer and harder to stretch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic string durabilityVSAvoidstring flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic string is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers or components. The core provides strength and UV resistance, while the outer layer or coating maintains flexibility and elasticity. This composite structure allows the string to be both durable and easy to stretch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the bow arms are made stronger to prevent breakage, then the reliability is improved, but the stored energy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebow arm durabilityVSAvoidstored elastic energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A protective sheath or coating is applied to the bow arms as an intermediary layer. This sheath provides UV protection and structural reinforcement without significantly increasing the overall stiffness of the bow arms, allowing them to maintain their energy storage capabilities while being protected from degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents elastic string degradation from UV light exposure, enhancing the durability and safety of the toy bow and arrow system while providing a visually appealing design.

Implementation Method 1

Both the first arm section and the second arm section have sheathed areas that are protected from ambient light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the elastic elements stretch and provide the spring energy needed to launch the projectile into flight when it is released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

internal lighting that does not contain significant UV wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9903681B2Toy arrow for use with toy bow

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 KMA CONCEPTS

AI summary

A toy arrow that has a shaft with a head end and a tail end is described herein. A head is associated with the head end of the shaft. Fins are associated with the tail end of the shaft. Extending hooks extend outward from the sides of the head.