Toy Vehicle Launching via Perpendicular Pull Cord

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy vehicle launchers do not allow for simultaneous manual launching of multiple toy vehicles by a single user, limiting the ability to position and launch multiple vehicles in a racing environment without requiring additional hands or partners.

Innovation Solution

A toy vehicle design featuring a drive mechanism that enables a single user to launch multiple aligned toy vehicles using a single pull cord, where the pull cord engages a gear mechanism to rotate the drive wheel perpendicular to the vehicle's travel direction, allowing for simultaneous launching of multiple vehicles in a side-by-side configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pull cord directly engages the toy vehicle in a direction parallel to the intended path, then the user has direct control of the vehicle's action during launch, but the user cannot adequately position multiple toy vehicles for simultaneous launch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control of vehicle actionVSAvoidability to position multiple vehicles for simultaneous launch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pull cord engagement direction is changed from parallel to perpendicular relative to the vehicle's intended travel path. The pull cord engages the drive wheel in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel, allowing the user to pull the cord sideways while the vehicle launches forward. This dimensional change enables simultaneous multi-vehicle launch while maintaining user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If separate players separately engage their pull cord with their respective toy vehicle, then each player has direct control, but two hands are required and racing partners are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control by each playerVSAvoidnumber of hands and partners required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pull cords from separate toy vehicles are merged into a single pull cord assembly. The pull cord is configured to engage multiple drive wheels simultaneously, allowing one user to control multiple vehicles with a single pulling action. This merging reduces the number of hands required from two to one and eliminates the need for racing partners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull cord assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can engage multiple vehicles simultaneously, provide direct user control, and enable simultaneous launch. The single pull cord serves as a universal control mechanism for multiple vehicles, increasing operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pull cords are used to engage multiple toy vehicles, then each vehicle can be controlled independently, but the user cannot launch multiple vehicles with a single pull stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent vehicle controlVSAvoidnumber of pull strokes required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pull cords are merged into a single continuous pull cord that passes through or engages multiple vehicle drive wheels in sequence. When the user pulls this single cord, all engaged vehicles are launched simultaneously in one pulling stroke, increasing productivity while maintaining the ability to control multiple vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a single user to easily launch multiple toy vehicles aligned next to each other with a single pull stroke, enhancing the play experience by allowing simultaneous and controlled launching in racing scenarios without the need for additional hands or partners.

Implementation Method 1

the pull cord engages a gear mechanism to rotate the drive wheel as the pull cord is withdrawn from the axle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9707488B2Toy vehicle, launching apparatus therefor and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 MATTEL INC

AI summary

A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.