Toy Vehicle Launcher with Switch for Simultaneous Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicle track sets lack the capability for controlled simultaneous launch of multiple vehicles, limiting play value and amusement.
Innovation Solution
A toy vehicle track system with a launcher that includes two launch members and a switch to select the launch order, allowing for the simultaneous launch of multiple vehicles onto different track sections, utilizing a latch mechanism, trigger, and timing mechanism to coordinate the release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single vehicle launcher is used in traditional toy track sets, then the device complexity is low, but the play value and amusement are limited due to inability to launch multiple vehicles simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher is divided into multiple independent launch members (first launch member, second launch member, etc.), each capable of launching a separate vehicle. This segmentation allows multiple vehicles to be launched simultaneously or sequentially while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher is designed as a multi-functional device that can launch multiple vehicles onto different track sections. The switch mechanism enables the same launcher to serve multiple purposes: launching vehicles sequentially or simultaneously, and directing them to different destinations, thereby increasing play value without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If multiple vehicles are launched without controlled release, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of controlled simultaneous travel is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles are positioned and held in a pre-launch state by the launch members before actual launch. The switch is configured in advance to determine the launch sequence or simultaneous release. This preliminary positioning and pre-setting of the switch ensures reliable controlled simultaneous travel while keeping operation simple
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism provides control feedback by allowing the user to select between different launch modes (sequential or simultaneous). This feedback mechanism ensures that the desired launch pattern is achieved reliably while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive switching
3Manufacturing precision
If a switch mechanism is added to select launch order, then the manufacturing precision and control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to change between sequential and simultaneous launch modes. This dynamic switching capability provides precise control over launch order while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through a single, versatile switching component rather than multiple fixed 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 controlled and simultaneous travel of multiple toy vehicles on shared track sections, enhancing play value by allowing for coordinated and sequential launches.
Implementation Method 1
In toy vehicle playsets utilizing free wheeling toy vehicles, a gravity launcher may be used
Implementation Method 2
In some toy vehicle playsets, a spring loaded toy vehicle launchers may be for free wheeling toy vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
The toy vehicle track system includes a first track section, a second track section, a third track section, a trigger configured to initiate a launch of a first toy vehicle and a second toy vehicle, and a toy vehicle launcher operatively coupled to the trigger and configured to launch the first toy vehicle onto the first track section and configured to launch the second toy vehicle onto the second track section upon operation of the trigger. The third track section is configured to receive the first toy vehicle from the first track section and configured to receive the second toy vehicle from the second track section such that the first toy vehicle and the second toy vehicle simultaneously travel on the third track section.