Toy Vehicle Track Closure Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicle tracks with detachable links require high manual skills for assembly and disassembly, overwhelming children and posing a challenge for easy handling.
Innovation Solution
A crawler chain with a closure device at each end, forming an endless, closed track, where the running surface is a single, elastic piece, allowing for a rigid connection without articulation, using recesses and engagement bodies for a secure and simple yet reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the track is made with detachable individual links, then the track can be assembled and disassembled, but the assembly and disassembly require high manual skills that overwhelm children
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into two main segments: a one-piece elastic running surface and a separate closure device with engagement bodies and recesses. This segmentation allows the running surface to be simple and continuous while the closure device provides the necessary detachable connection points, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device acts as an intermediary component between the two ends of the running surface. It provides a simple engagement mechanism with recesses and engagement bodies that children can easily manipulate, eliminating the need for complex link-by-link assembly while maintaining track integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the running surface is made as a single one-piece elastic structure, then articulation is not needed at connection points, but the ends must be connected to form an endless track
Solution Approach 1:
The running surface is made as a flexible elastic one-piece structure that can be stretched and deformed. This flexibility allows the ends to be brought together and connected by the closure device without requiring rigid articulation points, maintaining structural coherence while enabling easy assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the running surface allow it to change its physical state during assembly - being stretched to accommodate the closure device and then returning to its original form, creating a stable endless track structure from a simple one-piece component.
3Reliability
If the closure device provides a rigid connection between track ends, then the connection is functionally reliable, but the track loses adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device provides a rigid connection locally at the connection points through engagement bodies fitting into recesses, while the rest of the track maintains its elastic and adaptable nature. This localized rigidity ensures reliable connection without compromising the overall adaptability of the track structure.
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 easy assembly and disassembly of the track, providing a secure and adaptable connection that is easy to operate, suitable for various toy vehicle designs, including tanks and caterpillars, ensuring problem-free gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
The treadmill and in particular the one-piece coherent running surface of this are designed to be elastic
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The track (3) has a running tape (10) provided with two forehead ends (12, 13). Guide bodies (17) are attached at the running tape for guiding the running tape. A closure device closes the running tape and has two closure units that are provided at the forehead ends, respectively. One of the closure units is releasably connected with the other closure unit in a positive-fit manner. The running tape is formed from a rubber material, and the closure device is formed from a plastic material, where the plastic material has high stiffness than the rubber material. An independent claim is also included for a toy comprising a backlash car base body and track wheels.