Toy Figure Spring-Biased Drive Mechanism for Reciprocating Limb Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy figures with movable components often require complex internal control systems and multiple motors to achieve varied motion patterns, making them intricate and costly to design and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A toy figure with a spring-biased drive mechanism that includes a pull string, allowing a limb to move along two distinct paths of motion during different segments of a movement cycle, and an accessory that is detachably coupled and launched during the second segment, utilizing a cam and cam follower mechanism for controlled motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and complex internal control systems are used to achieve varied motion patterns, then the toy figure can perform complex motion patterns, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion cycle is segmented into distinct phases (first movement cycle and second movement cycle) with different paths of motion. The drive mechanism is segmented into a pull string mechanism that operates in alternating cycles, with a cam mechanism that engages at specific positions to create different motion patterns without requiring multiple motors
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, switching between different paths of motion (first path and second path) based on the movement cycle phase. The cam mechanism dynamically changes the arm's trajectory by engaging at different positions, allowing a single motor to produce varied motion patterns through temporal and spatial differentiation
2Device complexity
If a simple drive mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide multiple motion patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pull string mechanism operates in periodic alternating cycles, with the arm reciprocating between different positions. The cam mechanism engages periodically at specific positions in the rotation cycle to create distinct motion patterns. This periodic action allows a simple single-motor system to generate multiple motion patterns through temporal sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple pull string motor and the arm. The cam translates the simple rotational motion of the motor into complex reciprocating motion patterns of the arm by using its geometric profile. This intermediary mechanism allows a simple drive system to achieve varied motion patterns without direct complex control
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 provides a simple and cost-effective means to create a toy figure with multiple motion patterns, including reciprocal arm movement and accessory launch, enhancing play value while reducing complexity and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the drive mechanism includes a spring-biased pull string
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam and cam follower mechanism for controlled motion
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure includes a body, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a drive mechanism coupled to the arm. The drive mechanism moves the arm along a first path of motion between a first position and a second position during a first segment of a movement cycle, and the drive mechanism moves the arm along a second path of motion between the second position and a third position during a second segment of the movement cycle.