Toy Dart Gun Flywheel Trigger Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy guns with flywheel mechanisms require separate manual cocking or motor-powered mechanisms, necessitating two actions to launch a projectile, which increases complexity, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A toy launcher design that integrates a trigger mechanism directly with the flywheel assembly, using a one-way gear mechanism to rotate the flywheels and launch projectiles with a single action, eliminating the need for a separate cocking mechanism or air compression chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate manual cocking mechanism is used to power the flywheel, then the flywheel can be rotated to launch projectiles, but the device complexity and number of required user actions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cocking mechanism and trigger mechanism into a single integrated unit. The trigger assembly directly rotates the flywheel when pulled, eliminating the need for a separate cocking action. This consolidation reduces the number of user actions from two (cocking then triggering) to one (single trigger pull), while simplifying the overall mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism serves dual functions: it acts as both the firing trigger and the cocking mechanism. When the user pulls the trigger, it simultaneously rotates the flywheel (cocking action) and initiates the projectile launch (firing action). This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces operational steps.
2Extent of automation
If a motor and batteries are used to power the flywheel mechanism, then automated projectile launch is achieved, but the weight and cost of the toy gun increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own pulling action on the trigger to directly rotate the flywheel, eliminating the need for external power sources like motors and batteries. The mechanical energy from the user's hand movement is directly converted into flywheel rotation, achieving automation of the launch sequence without adding heavy electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic motor-battery system with a purely mechanical trigger-driven flywheel rotation mechanism. Instead of using electrical power to rotate the flywheel, the system uses direct mechanical coupling where the trigger pull mechanically rotates the flywheel through gear interactions, eliminating the need for motors and batteries.
3Ease of manufacture
If a separate cocking mechanism is integrated into the toy gun, then the flywheel can be powered, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cocking and trigger mechanisms into a single integrated assembly, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merger simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to produce separate cocking mechanisms and their associated components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional complexity.
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
Enables a single-action launch of projectiles with reduced noise and increased speed, simplifying the operation and reducing the weight and expense of the toy gun by integrating the trigger and flywheel mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a one way gear mechanism including a one way gear configured to permit rotation of the first gear to transfer to the at least one flywheel when the first gear rotates in the first direction and to prevent rotation of the first gear to transfer to the at least one flywheel when the first gear rotates in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one flywheel configured to launch the projectile
Implementation Method 3
rotate the at least one flywheel to launch the projectile through the launch opening
Data Source
AI summary
A toy launcher for launching a projectile, the toy launcher includes a housing having a launch opening, a launch mechanism provided within the housing, the launch mechanism including at least one flywheel configured to launch the projectile, a pusher mechanism configured to move the projectile into contact with the at least one flywheel, and a trigger mechanism that, when actuated, is configured to move the projectile with the pusher mechanism into contact with the at least one flywheel and configured to rotate the at least one flywheel to launch the projectile through the launch opening in the housing.