Toy Track Connector With Equal Annular Diameters For Smooth Sliding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy tracks with flexible tube structures and connectors often hinder smooth sliding of balls or roller coasters due to mismatched diameters and limited adjustability, making it difficult for children to create and play with winding tracks.
Innovation Solution
A connecting piece for toy tracks with coaxially arranged first and second connectors having equal annular outer diameters, along with a supporting piece featuring clamping grooves and an arc-shaped body, ensures smooth sliding and adjustability by maintaining a consistent annular surface and allowing for flexible track positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connectors with different outer diameters than the flexible tube are used, then the connecting structure is formed, but the ball cannot slide smoothly on the track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the outer diameter of the connectors equal to the outer diameter of the flexible tube. This parameter adjustment ensures that the track surface remains consistent and smooth, allowing balls to slide without obstruction from protruding connector surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements homogeneity by ensuring all connecting components (flexible tube and connectors) have the same outer diameter. This creates a uniform track surface where no component protrudes beyond the others, eliminating sliding obstacles and ensuring smooth ball movement throughout the entire track.
2Stability of the object's composition
If supporting piece with fixed semicircular concave holes is used, then the flexible tube can be clamped, but the track position cannot be arbitrarily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the supporting piece into multiple functional elements: the arc-shaped body provides structural support, while multiple clamping grooves at different positions offer adjustable clamping points. This segmentation allows the track to be positioned at various locations while maintaining stable clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the supporting piece adjustable rather than fixed. The arc-shaped body with multiple clamping grooves allows the user to dynamically reposition the track along the arc, enabling arbitrary position adjustment while maintaining structural stability through secure clamping at any selected position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a connecting piece for toy track and a toy track. The toy track includes a supporting piece and the connecting piece for toy track. The connecting piece for toy track includes a flexible tube, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are respectively connected to two ends of the flexible tube and coaxially arranged with respect to the flexible tube. The first connector is provided with a plug-in groove, and the second connector is provided with a plug-in convex part matched with the plug-in groove. The flexible tube has a first annular outer diameter, the first connector has a second annular outer diameter, and the second connector has a third annular outer diameter. The first annular outer diameter, the second annular outer diameter, and the third annular outer diameter are equal to each other, so that the surface of the flexible tube, the surface of the first connector, and the surface of the second connector are on the same annular surface after the plug-in convex part is plugged into the plug-in groove, so as to ensure that the ball or roller coaster can slide on the tracks smoothly.