Finger-Thrown Toy Projectile with Orifice-Guided Stable Spin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small toys thrown by hand lack a unique throwing experience and stability in flight, particularly when propelled by finger muscles alone.
Innovation Solution
A projectile part designed for thumb and finger operation, featuring a through orifice for thumb insertion, proximal and distal bearing zones with protrusions, and a balanced design for rotational movement, allowing stable and linear trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small toy projectile is designed for hand throwing, then it should be lightweight and easy to hold, but it lacks a stable and linear trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is segmented into distinct functional zones: a proximal bearing zone for finger placement, a distal bearing zone for thumb contact, and an intermediate zone with a through orifice. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, with the bearing zones providing stable contact points that ensure linear trajectory while the lightweight overall design maintains ease of holding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the projectile have different properties tailored to their functions. The proximal and distal bearing zones have specific geometries optimized for finger and thumb contact respectively, while the through orifice in the intermediate zone provides rotational stability. This local optimization ensures trajectory stability without compromising the overall lightweight design.
2Weight of moving object
If the projectile is made lightweight for easy throwing, then it can be propelled several meters by thumb power, but it requires precise control for accurate throwing
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile geometry is designed in advance to guide the throwing action. The proximal bearing zone is shaped to naturally position the finger, the distal bearing zone is configured to receive the thumb tip, and the through orifice is positioned to create the desired rotational movement. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that even lightweight projectiles can be thrown accurately with minimal practice.
3Ease of manufacture
If the projectile has a simple plate shape, then it is easy to manufacture, but it does not provide rotational movement or stable trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The simple plate shape is segmented into functional zones with specific geometries. The proximal bearing zone, distal bearing zone, and through orifice are integrated into the plate structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding the complexity needed for stable trajectory and rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds functional complexity in the longitudinal dimension by creating distinct zones along the length of the plate. The through orifice extends through the plate thickness, adding a dimensional element that provides rotational stability without complicating the overall plate structure or manufacturing process.
4Ease of operation
If the through orifice is positioned away from the proximal edge, then it allows proper thumb insertion and propulsion, but it reduces the structural strength near the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The structural strength is locally optimized by positioning the through orifice away from the proximal edge where it is needed for thumb insertion, while maintaining adequate material in critical load-bearing regions. The escapement strip geometry is specifically designed to provide structural reinforcement in areas where the orifice creates potential weakness points.
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 accurate and repeatable throws with a gyroscopic effect, achieving a stable and linear trajectory, suitable for both children and adults, with a compact and durable design.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal bearing zone (ZAP) is provided intended to receive at least one phalanx of the digital support, a distal bearing zone (ZAD) intended to bear on at least one other phalanx of the digital support
Implementation Method 2
said orifice having an orifice contour with a front portion (20) forming an intermediate bearing zone (ZAI) intended to receive a propulsion force formed by a bearing of the thumbnail
Data Source
AI summary
Projectile part intended to be thrown by a user's fingers, the projectile part being in the form of a small plate with an outer contour, in which part there are provided a proximal bearing zone intended to receive the pad of a proximal phalanx of the index finger, a distal bearing zone intended to bear on the distal phalanx of the index finger, the proximal bearing zone comprising at least one rear proximal protuberance, the projectile part comprising a through-orifice arranged at a distance from the proximal bearing zone, said orifice having an orifice contour with a front portion forming an intermediate bearing zone, and intended to receive a propulsion force produced by the nail of the thumb, and a rear portion intended to receive the tip of the thumb. Method for throwing such a part.