Toy Projectile Launcher Safety Nub Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy projectile systems lack effective safety features to prevent the insertion and operation of inappropriate objects, which can lead to bodily injury and property damage, and they often compromise on play value and precision due to the softness required for safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A toy launch system with a projectile receiving opening and improvised projectile checking housing assembly that uses a nub and stepped structure to ensure only properly sized projectiles are loaded, featuring a spring-loaded button and elongated structure to shift into a checking position, preventing the launch of improper projectiles and enhancing play value with locking features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If soft materials are used for projectiles to meet safety standards, then safety is improved, but flight characteristics and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from soft foam projectiles to hard plastic or metal projectiles with precisely controlled dimensions. The projectile design specifies exact diameter ranges (e.g., 0.625 inches to 0.75 inches) and length ranges (e.g., 3.0 inches to 4.0 inches), changing the physical parameters from soft material dependence to hard material dimensional precision, thereby improving flight characteristics while maintaining safety through dimensional control rather than material softness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple safety features are added to prevent inappropriate object insertion, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a checking mechanism that detects whether a properly sized projectile is present in the barrel before the trigger can be actuated. The interlocking mechanism between the trigger assembly and the projectile checking mechanism ensures that the safety check is performed in advance, preventing inappropriate object insertion before the launching sequence begins, thereby improving safety without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the projectile checking mechanism to serve multiple functions: it checks projectile presence, verifies projectile size compliance, and interlocks with the trigger assembly to prevent unauthorized operation. This multi-functional design consolidates several safety features into a single integrated mechanism, improving safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a projectile checking mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the projectile checking mechanism to automatically detect whether a properly sized projectile is present in the barrel without requiring user intervention. The mechanism self-actuates based on the presence or absence of the projectile's rear end, automatically engaging or disengaging the trigger interlock, thereby improving safety while minimizing the impact on ease of operation as users simply load and fire without additional manual steps
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 system effectively prevents the insertion and operation of inappropriate objects while allowing the use of appropriately sized projectiles, enhancing play value and maintaining safety standards by ensuring desired flight characteristics and precision.
Implementation Method 1
an improvised projectile button and an improvised projectile checking spring mounted thereto
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments a toy projectile system can have a toy projectile and a toy projectile launcher having an improvised projectile checking and locking feature to confirm presence of a proper projectile of the system through detection of the nub and prevent launch of a projectile not designed for use with the system.