Toy Projectile Launching Assembly with Continuous Elastic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy bow and arrow systems face issues with rotational pull during launch and lack of stabilization, which can lead to unsafe overdrawing and potential breakage of elastic elements, hindering the efficient projection of toy arrow projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A toy projectile launching assembly featuring a pair of continuously extending parallel elastic launching elements that move in concert over linear trajectories to minimize rotational pull, along with a handle positioned outside the launch area and an arm support to stabilize the assembly during use, ensuring clear separation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two distinct elastic loop structures are used to reduce breaking risk, then safety is improved, but rotational pull on the projectile increases, hindering projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate elastic loops into a single continuous elastic element that forms a figure-eight pattern. This merging eliminates the rotational pull caused by two separate loops while maintaining the safety benefits of having two elastic components working together to launch the projectile.
2Ease of operation
If a simple handle is provided for grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but the bow becomes unstable during drawing, impeding launch
Solution Approach 1:
The bow is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for grasping, a stabilizing member for stability, and a launch mechanism for projectile propulsion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
A stabilizing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the handle and the elastic element. This stabilizer acts as a mediator that transfers and distributes the drawing force, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring stable launch conditions.
3Length of moving object
If the elastic element is drawn back far to increase projectile distance, then launch distance is improved, but the risk of overdrawing and breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous elastic element with its figure-eight configuration provides built-in cushioning and force distribution. The dual-loop structure naturally limits the draw distance and distributes the stress, preventing sudden breaks even when drawn back far for maximum projectile distance.
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 solution effectively reduces rotational pull and stabilizes the launching assembly, enhancing the safety and accuracy of toy projectile launches by preventing overdrawing and potential breakage, while maintaining a clear launch path.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic launching element extending continuously from the left elastic support to the right elastic support and configured to bend and/or pivot about the left and right elastic supports and stretch rearwardly to launch a toy projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A toy projectile launching assembly for launching toy projectiles includes a platform defined by a rigid shallow “V-shaped” structure with a flat base portion. The flat base has an upper and lower surface including rigid left and right extensions having rigid left and right elastic supports and a rigid central region disposed between the left and right extensions, rigid interior left and right elastic supports situated between the rigid exterior left and right elastic supports, first and second elastic launching elements extending continuously from the left elastic support to the right elastic support, a handle, an arm support, and an arm support strap. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the toy projectile launching assembly.