Toy Coupling With Rotational Locking Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy couplings require significant manual skill and force to connect or release, and do not allow for rotation of coupling parts in the connected assembly position, making them difficult for children to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a receiving coupling part with a locking guide receiving portion and an insert coupling part with insert guide portions that can be rotated relative to each other, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without excessive force, and incorporating a locking mechanism that enables a secure yet easy-to-release connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional coupling designs are used, then the connection is secure, but significant manual skill and force are required to connect or release
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is designed with a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking element can automatically engage and disengage based on the insertion and removal motions. The locking element is spring-loaded or cam-operated to provide automatic locking upon insertion without requiring excessive force, and can be easily released by a simple motion that disengages the locking element from the locking recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically lock itself upon insertion of the coupling part into the receiving cavity. The locking element automatically engages with the locking recess when the coupling part is inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system uses the insertion motion itself to trigger the locking action, making the connection process self-servicing.
2Ease of operation
If conventional coupling designs are used, then the connection is stable, but manual skill is required to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: a coupling part with a locking element, a receiving cavity with a locking recess, and guide surfaces. Each element performs a specific function - the guide surfaces direct the insertion motion, the locking element provides the locking function, and the locking recess receives the locking element. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing secure automatic locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, guides its own insertion through guide surfaces, and automatically locks itself via the locking element. The receiving cavity similarly provides structural support, guides insertion, and provides the locking recess. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling parts are fixed relative to each other, then connection is secure, but rotation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic connection that allows controlled rotation. The locking element and locking recess are designed to maintain engagement while permitting rotational motion around the connecting axis. The guide surfaces ensure that rotation occurs only after proper insertion and locking, providing adaptability while maintaining connection stability during the rotational operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connecting a first coupling part to one toy component and a second coupling part connected to another toy component. The two coupling parts are connected to one another along a connecting axis to be rotated relative to one another thereabout. One of the coupling parts is a receiving coupling part having a locking guide receiving portion, which has a locking receiver extending in the peripheral direction about the connecting axis through more than 180°. The other coupling part is an insert coupling part having at least two insert guide portions axially spaced apart from one another along the connecting axis and guided radially in the receiving coupling part. A first insert guide portion is received to lock in the locking guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part. A second insert guide portion is guided in a second guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part.