Toy Vehicle Gearbox With Swing Mechanism for Accessory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized toy vehicles lack the ability to remotely actuate accessory features, limiting user interaction and enjoyment, as mechanical power transmission from a rotating source to accessory features is not efficiently managed.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox with a swing mechanism that alternately translates rotational motion from a motor to either a drivetrain system for wheel movement or an accessory feature, using spur gears and crown gears to pivot and engage different drivetrain systems based on motor direction, allowing remote actuation of accessory features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized toy vehicle is equipped with accessory features, then the enjoyment and functionality of the vehicle is improved, but the ability to remotely actuate these features is limited due to lack of efficient mechanical power transmission management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic swing mechanism that can pivot between two positions to selectively engage different crown gears. The swing mechanism includes a swing arm that oscillates back and forth, allowing the second spur gear to alternately mesh with the first crown gear (for drive wheel operation) or the second crown gear (for accessory feature operation). This dynamic switching capability enables remote actuation of accessory features without requiring separate motors, thereby improving versatility while managing system complexity through a single motorized power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox assembly serves multiple functions through a unified design: it transmits power to both the drive wheels and accessory features using a single motor. The swing mechanism acts as a universal power distribution system that can route mechanical power to different outputs based on operational needs. The first and second crown gears both receive power from the same motor through the swing mechanism, allowing the system to perform both propulsion and accessory actuation functions with one motorized unit.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical power is transmitted from a rotating power source to accessory features, then remote actuation capability is improved, but the complexity of power transmission management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a motor, a swing mechanism with swing arm, first and second crown gears, and associated drivetrain systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall system integration. The swing mechanism is further divided into a swing arm and a second spur gear, enabling independent movement and engagement control. This modular segmentation simplifies the management of power transmission by clearly defining the role of each component in the remote actuation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor and the two different power transmission paths. The swing arm acts as a mediator that translates the motor's rotational motion into oscillating motion, which then selectively engages either the first or second crown gear. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control of power distribution by providing a single point of control (the swing mechanism) that manages the complexity of routing power to different outputs, thereby improving ease of operation for remote actuation.
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 users to remotely operate accessory features on toy vehicles, enhancing play experience by efficiently transmitting power from a motor to either drive wheels or accessory mechanisms, such as winches or projectile launchers, through a versatile gearbox design.
Implementation Method 1
the swing mechanism includes a first spur gear which rotatably communicates with a second spur gear. When a motor drives the first spur gear in the first direction, the swing mechanism pivots such that the second spur gear engages a first crown gear
Implementation Method 2
the second spur gear engages a first crown gear. The first crown gear drives a first drivetrain system which, in turn, drives at least one drive wheel. When the motor drives the first spur gear in the second direction, the swing mechanism pivots such that the second spur gear engages a second crown gear, which drives a second drivetrain system to actuate an accessory feature
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox for a toy vehicle is provided that is adapted to transmit rotational power from a motor to a first drivetrain system adapted to drive a wheel and a second drivetrain system adapted to actuate an accessory feature. A swing mechanism is provided to alternatively translate rotational motion from the motor to the first drivetrain or the second drivetrain.