Toy Fluid Launcher Two-Step Priming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toy fluid launchers require excessive physical strength to operate, limiting their use by younger or less capable users and often incur high production costs due to complex mechanisms like motorized systems and air pressure systems.
Innovation Solution
A toy launcher with a spring-loaded piston and a two-step priming mechanism that reduces the strength required to load the spring by dividing the loading stroke into pull-back and forward return motions, incorporating a telescopic barrel and a latching assembly for efficient fluid expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strong spring is used to increase launching force, then the launching force and velocity are improved, but the physical strength required to load the spring increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The loading stroke is divided into two distinct phases: a pull-back phase where the user draws the handle backward to begin compressing the spring, and a forward return phase where the user pushes the handle forward to complete the compression. This segmentation allows the spring to be loaded more effectively while distributing the physical effort over a longer, more manageable motion sequence, reducing the peak force required at any single moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs dynamic spring compression where the spring is partially compressed during the pull-back phase and then fully compressed during the forward return phase. This dynamic, two-stage compression process allows the spring to be loaded to high force levels while the user experiences reduced instantaneous force requirements compared to a single-stage compression system.
2Force
If motorized mechanisms are used to increase launching force, then the launching force and fire rate are improved, but the production cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized mechanical systems with a simplified spring-loaded piston mechanism. Instead of using motors, batteries, and electronic controls to generate launching force, the system uses a compression spring that stores mechanical energy during the loading phase and releases it during the firing phase. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity, manufacturing costs, and weight while maintaining high launching force and velocity.
3Stress or pressure
If air pressure systems are used to increase launch pressure, then the launch pressure and distance are improved, but the pumping time and vulnerability during gameplay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is compressed and loaded in advance during the pull-back and forward return phases, storing mechanical energy that is then rapidly released during the firing phase. This preliminary action allows the system to achieve high launch pressure quickly without requiring continuous pumping during gameplay, as the spring is already loaded and ready for immediate discharge when the trigger is activated.
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 two-step priming mechanism allows for increased launching force without excessive physical strength, making the launcher more user-friendly and reducing material costs, enabling younger users to compete equally while maintaining high velocity.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring that biases the plunger element against a rear wall of the telescopic barrel
Implementation Method 2
the telescopic barrel is extendible from a shorter length to a longer length when the sliding handle is moved to the backward position
Data Source
AI summary
A toy launcher having a telescopic barrel, a plunger element, and a compression spring that biases the plunger element against a rear wall of the telescopic barrel. When a cocking slide is moved from a forward position to a backward position, the plunger element partially compresses the compression spring against the rear wall of the telescopic barrel, while the plunger element couples to a trigger assembly. Fluid from a reservoir enters a fluid chamber formed by the plunger element and the front part of the telescopic barrel. When the cocking slide is moved from the backward position to the forward position, the rear part of the telescopic barrel fully compresses the compression spring. Fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber when the coupling between the plunger element and trigger assembly is released.