Articulated Ammunition Chain for Toy Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy guns have limited playtime due to the restricted capacity of their barrels or magazines, which restricts the number of projectiles that can be loaded for sequential firing.
Innovation Solution
An articulated ammunition chain comprising a plurality of hinged links, each capable of holding a soft projectile, with a cylindrical body, hinge components, and a mechanism for advancing the chain using a toy gun's sprocket for continuous firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a barrel or magazine is used to hold projectiles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the capacity is limited and requires frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The ammunition supply system is segmented into multiple individual links, each capable of holding a projectile. These links are connected in a chain configuration, allowing the system to hold many more projectiles than a traditional barrel or magazine while maintaining manageable individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or compact magazine arrangement to a flexible chain configuration that can extend in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the ammunition supply to wrap around or follow the path of the toy gun, effectively increasing capacity without proportionally increasing the footprint.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a traditional magazine is used, then reloading is quick, but play time is limited due to restricted capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The chain configuration allows for continuous ammunition supply by enabling the chain to feed projectiles sequentially into the firing mechanism. The flexible articulation permits the chain to maintain contact with the feeding mechanism, ensuring continuous operation without interruption for reloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy removal and replacement of individual links or sections of the chain. Used or depleted links can be discarded or replaced quickly, while the remaining chain continues to supply ammunition, minimizing interruption to play time.
3Quantity of substance
If an articulated chain is used to increase capacity, then play time is extended, but the mechanism for advancing the chain increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated chain structure enables self-feeding through its own articulation and flexibility. As the chain is drawn through the toy gun, the hinged links naturally articulate to present the next projectile to the firing mechanism, reducing the need for complex external advancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain employs dynamic, movable joints rather than fixed connections. This allows the chain to adapt its configuration as it feeds through the toy gun, with links articulating to accommodate the feeding path and mechanism, simplifying the overall advancing system through flexible adaptation rather than rigid mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A link for a toy ammunition chain made up of a plurality of links hinged together side-by-side in articulated fashion includes a cylindrical body adapted to receive a soft projectile. A first hinge component extends laterally from the body and has a pair of hinge pins. A second hinge component extends laterally from the body at a position opposite the first hinge component and has a pair of recesses each for pivotally receiving a hinge pin of an adjacent link in the chain.