Toy Track with Self-Actuating Deploying Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy tracks lack variability, leading to player fatigue due to predictable toy vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
A toy track system featuring a base member, a track member with a sloping surface, a lid member that can be opened and closed, and a locking mechanism that deploys when a toy vehicle enters, allowing for transformation and changing track configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the track portions are fixedly assembled together in advance, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the track lacks variability and predictability causing player fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The track member is designed with a movable track surface portion that can transition between a stowed state (flat, integrated with base member) and a deployed state (sloped, elevated). This dynamic configuration allows the track to change its geometry during play, providing variability and preventing predictability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of movable rather than completely reconfigurable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The track member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base member, a movable track surface portion, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall variability of the track system, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and track variability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the track surface portion is biased to deploy automatically, then the track becomes dynamic and engaging, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biased spring mechanism is pre-configured to automatically push the track surface portion into the deployed state when the locking member is released. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex active control systems or manual intervention to trigger the transformation, achieving dynamic track behavior through a relatively simple passive mechanical mechanism that uses pre-stored elastic energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be automatically triggered by the toy vehicle itself as it passes through the track. The vehicle's movement directly actuates the locking member, which in turn releases the biased track surface portion to deploy. This self-service mechanism achieves track transformation without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lid member is used to hold the track member in stowed state, then the track maintains compact form, but the lid member mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is merged with the base member through a hinge connection, creating an integrated assembly that forms a compact protective cover over the track member when closed. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms or complex mounting structures, achieving stable compact form through a simple hinged connection that allows both closed and open states.
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 system provides a dynamic and engaging play experience by allowing the toy vehicle to move through transforming track sections, maintaining momentum and offering varied routes, thus preventing player fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the track member in a rising direction
Implementation Method 2
the track surface portion slopes down to a front relative to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A toy track of the invention includes a base member, a track member having a track surface portion where a toy vehicle can travel and biased into a deployed state where the track surface portion slopes down to a front relative to the base member, a lid member connected to the base member to be opened and closed and having a locked portion, and a locking member having a releasing projection disposed on the track surface portion of the track member in a stowed state and a locking portion for locking the locked portion to hold the lid member in a closed state. The lid member biases the track member into the stowed state when in the closed state, and the locking member releases locking of the locking portion on the locked portion when the releasing projection is pressed by the toy vehicle entering the track surface portion.