Toy Vehicle with Independent Wheel Dynamics for 3D Track Navigation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy vehicle and track systems face limitations in maintaining gravity power, leading to vehicles leaving the track unexpectedly and restricted track configurations, with limited versatility and play appeal, especially in three-dimensional environments.

Innovation Solution

A toy vehicle with a longitudinal central axis and translational elements that engage with a modular, three-dimensional tubular track system, allowing for independent movement and control of rotational speed, enabling the vehicle to traverse non-linear tracks and transition smoothly to a planar surface for continued drivability and steerability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gravity powered vehicles are used on tracks with various aspects, then the track configuration flexibility is improved, but the gravity power may be insufficient to enable the vehicle to pass through the track system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack configuration flexibilityVSAvoidgravity power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the wheels independently rotatable about their axles, allowing each wheel to adapt its orientation dynamically as the vehicle navigates three-dimensional track configurations. This dynamic adjustment enables the vehicle to maintain traction and gravity power throughout complex track sections including vertical and inverted portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar tracks to three-dimensional track configurations by allowing the vehicle body to rotate about its longitudinal axis. This dimensional change enables the vehicle to navigate vertical loops, banked turns, and inverted sections while maintaining gravitational force as the driving power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional slot car track systems are used, then electrical contact and speed control are improved, but the track arrangement is restricted to planar surface and vehicles may leave the track unexpectedly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed controlVSAvoidtrack configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends track configuration from planar to three-dimensional by allowing the vehicle body to rotate about its longitudinal axis, enabling navigation of vertical loops, banked turns, and inverted sections while maintaining gravitational force as the driving power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the wheels independently rotatable about their axles, allowing each wheel to adapt its orientation dynamically as the vehicle navigates three-dimensional track configurations. This dynamic adjustment enables the vehicle to maintain traction and gravity power throughout complex track sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If remote controlled toy vehicles are used, then speed and steering control are improved, but adaptability to pre-defined track systems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed and steering controlVSAvoidtrack system compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a vehicle that can operate in multiple modes: constrained within a pre-defined three-dimensional track system using gravitational force, or freely on open terrain using remote control. The independent wheel rotation mechanism enables the vehicle to adapt to both track-bound and off-track environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the wheels independently rotatable about their axles, allowing each wheel to adapt its orientation dynamically as the vehicle navigates three-dimensional track configurations. This dynamic adjustment enables the vehicle to maintain traction and gravity power throughout complex track sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10814237B2Toy vehicle and track system therefor

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SMARTRTOYS LTD

AI summary

A toy vehicle having a longitudinal central axis aligned in a direction of travel and for travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear pathway which extends in three dimensions and which at least partly confines said toy vehicle, said toy vehicle comprising a first plurality of translational elements comprising two+2n, wherein n=1 or more, translational elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle for engagement with the inner surface of the elongated tubular track; and a second plurality of translational elements comprising two+2m, wherein m=1 or more, translational elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle for engagement with the curved inner surface of the elongated tubular track, wherein each of the translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements and each of the translational elements of the second plurality of translation elements are independently moveable in relation to each other and are biased in at least an outward radial direction from the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle, and a control system for controlling at least the operable rotational speed of at least two translational elements, wherein said at least two translational elements are drive translational elements.