Toy Vehicle Launcher with Continuous Loading Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicle launchers require manual loading of each vehicle before launching, which is inefficient and time-consuming for children playing with multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A toy vehicle launcher with a housing that can retain multiple vehicles and features a launching mechanism with a striking member and vehicle retaining device, allowing for rapid succession launches without the need for manual loading between each launch, using a movable housing and actuator to position and launch vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional launcher requires manual loading of each vehicle before launching, then the launcher structure can be simple, but the launching efficiency and play experience deteriorate due to time-consuming repeated loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher pre-loads multiple vehicles into the housing before operation. The housing is configured to receive and retain multiple vehicles in advance, so that when launching begins, vehicles are already positioned and ready for immediate launch without requiring manual loading between each launch sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple vehicles are nested within the housing structure in a stacked or sequential arrangement. The housing acts as a container that holds multiple vehicles simultaneously, allowing them to be launched in rapid succession without occupying separate loading positions.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is made movable to facilitate vehicle loading, then the ease of operation improves, but the stability and structural integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with movable characteristics that allow it to be easily manipulated for loading vehicles. The housing can be moved in and out of the launcher body, and the cover can pivot open, providing dynamic accessibility while maintaining functional stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented from the main launcher body, allowing independent movement of the housing component. This segmentation enables the housing to be moved separately for loading purposes while the main launcher structure remains stable during the launching operation.
3Ease of operation
If a single actuator controls multiple vehicle launches, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of consistent launching may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to provide continuous launching action through repeated activation. Each actuation cycle consistently performs the same function of launching a vehicle, and the mechanism is designed to maintain consistent performance across multiple cycles without requiring manual intervention between launches.
Solution Approach 2:
The launching mechanism is designed to automatically retrieve and position the next vehicle after each launch without requiring manual loading. The system serves itself by automatically preparing the next vehicle in the sequence, maintaining consistent operation through self-regulating mechanisms.
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 continuous and efficient launching of multiple toy vehicles without the need for manual loading, enhancing play experience by allowing rapid and uninterrupted vehicle launches.
Implementation Method 1
The striking member is configured to strike the toy vehicle launching the toy vehicle from the launch position out of the launcher
Implementation Method 2
a ball bearing toy vehicle that may include a housing that retains a plurality of vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A toy vehicle launcher is disclosed. The launcher includes a cavity configured for receiving a plurality of toy vehicles. Furthermore, the launcher includes a launching mechanism that launches a single toy vehicle while loading the next vehicle into the launching position in a single action. Additionally, the launching mechanism includes an actuator for triggering the launching of the toy vehicles. Moreover, the launcher is configured for easy access to the storage of the plurality of toy vehicles in the cavity.