Asymmetric Toy Figure Connector for Hidden 90° Arm Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy figure connectors limit the range of movement between parts, such as an arm and a torso, to less than 60 degrees, and increasing the slot length results in an unappealing visible hole.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with an offset coupler portion and asymmetric middle portion that allows a larger notch, enabling a 90-degree range of motion without increasing the channel length, and maintaining the axis of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slot length in the arm is increased to allow greater range of motion, then the range of movement between arm and torso is improved, but the slot becomes visible on the arm which is unappealing to users
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs an asymmetric design where the coupler portion is offset from the center of the connector body. This asymmetry creates a larger notch that provides greater range of motion while the offset positioning ensures the slot remains hidden within the connector structure, resolving the contradiction between operational range and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the problem from a one-dimensional slot length issue to a two-dimensional spatial arrangement by offsetting the coupler portion laterally. This dimensional shift allows the connector to achieve greater angular movement through lateral offset rather than increasing slot length, keeping the slot invisible while improving range of motion
2Ease of operation
If a conventional connector structure is used to couple arm to torso, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the range of movement is limited to less than 60 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric offset of the coupler portion from the connector center creates a mechanical advantage that enlarges the notched area, enabling the arm to rotate through a larger arc (up to 90 degrees) while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece connector structure that remains easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connector, specifically the offset distance of the coupler portion and the resulting notch dimensions. This parameter modification allows the connector to achieve 90-degree rotation capability without fundamentally changing the connector type or manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure includes a connector for coupling two parts of the toy figure together. The connector has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion located between and coupled to both the first portion and the second portion. The middle portion is asymmetrically located between the first portion and the second portion, which creates a larger notch and facilitates a larger range of movement between the two parts of the toy figure.