Toy Figure Head Coupling for Interchangeable Headwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy systems lack the ability to securely attach additional headwear items such as glasses or scuba-masks to toy figure heads without integrating them into top headwear items, limiting the variety of accessories that can be mounted.
Innovation Solution
A toy figure system featuring a toy figure head with a first central coupling member, a top headwear item with a second central coupling member, and an intermediate headwear item with a connector ring, allowing for a snap fit connection that supports heavier accessories and enables secure assembly with or without a wig part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional head construction with socket and pin is used, then the toy figure head can be mounted with various types of wig parts and hat parts, but it is not possible to attach additional headwear items such as glasses or scuba-masks
Solution Approach 1:
The headwear mounting system is segmented into multiple independent coupling levels: the first central coupling member (tubular structure) provides one level for mounting top headwear items, while the second central coupling member (on the peg) provides another level for mounting additional headwear items like glasses or masks. This segmentation allows multiple types of headwear to be mounted independently without integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional layer to the headwear mounting system by extending the coupling mechanism along the vertical axis. The first coupling member is positioned at one level (e.g., for hats), while the second coupling member extends along the peg at a different level (e.g., for glasses or masks). This multi-level arrangement in the vertical dimension enables mounting of multiple headwear items that were previously impossible to attach separately.
2Strength
If a rigid connection system is used to support heavier accessories like glasses or scuba-masks, then the connection strength increases, but the ability to interchange accessories decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to transition between a secure locked state and a releasable state. The peg with the second coupling member can be inserted into and locked onto the first coupling member to provide strong support for heavier accessories, but can also be easily removed and repositioned to interchange accessories. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between strong connection and ease of interchange.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple headwear items are integrated into the top headwear item, then the mounting options increase, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first central coupling member (tubular structure) and second central coupling member (on the peg) are designed as universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of headwear items. Rather than integrating multiple headwear items into one complex piece, the universal coupling members provide standardized interfaces that work with various wig parts, hat parts, glasses, and masks independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure system havinga toy figure head, anda top headwear itemwherein the toy figure head includes a first central coupling member, the first coupling member having a tubular wall with an internal space;wherein the top headwear item includes a second central coupling member configured for cooperating with said internal space of the first coupling member; andwherein the toy figure system includes an intermediate headwear item, comprising a connector ring configured for coupling to an outer surface of said first coupling member.