Toy Figure Connector With Elastic Release for Easy Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy figure connectors require high force to separate parts, making it difficult for children to easily disconnect components such as doll heads from bodies during play.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a first and second connector portion and an intermediate portion that allows for movement between them, featuring spring-like characteristics, enabling easy connection and disconnection by applying external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional coupler is used to connect toy figure parts, then the connection is secure and stable, but a high force is required to separate the parts making it difficult for children to use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates movable middle portions that can dynamically change position between engaged and disengaged states. The middle portions move toward each other during engagement and away from each other during disengagement, creating a dynamic connection system that transitions between secure attachment and easy separation based on applied force
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its structural parameters by moving the middle portions between two positions. When the middle portions move toward each other, the connection strength increases for secure attachment. When they move away from each other, the connection strength decreases to allow easy separation by children during play
2Ease of operation
If a connector with movable middle portions is used, then easy separation is achieved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct components: first connector portions, second connector portions, and intermediate connector portions with movable middle portions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing of the complex connector system
Solution Approach 2:
The movable middle portions are nested within the intermediate connector portions, allowing them to move freely within the connector structure. This nesting arrangement enables the complex movement mechanism to be compact and integrated within the overall connector design without requiring excessive external space
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
Facilitates quick and secure assembly of toy figure parts, allowing easy customization and play by reducing the force required to separate components.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate connector portion is movable from an unbiased configuration to a biased configuration in response to the application of an external force to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure is presented herein with a connector for coupling two parts of the toy figure together. The connector has a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and an intermediate connector portion located between and coupled to both the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The intermediate connector portion has two spaced apart middle portions that define a channel therebetween and which can move toward and away from each other. The first connector portion has two side portions that can also move toward and away from each other.