Toy Vehicle Track Connector With Rib Frame and Release Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicle track systems face challenges in manufacturing cost and ease of assembly, particularly for larger vehicles, as they require more material and complex fabrication due to elevated connector designs that complicate separation and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, molded plastic connector with an elongated planar main body and projecting posts that securely join track sections while allowing easy separation, featuring a rib frame for alignment and a third post for thumb-accessible separation, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple flanges and multiple joined connectors are used to improve strength and alignment, then the track sections are held more firmly together, but it becomes more difficult for children to break down the connected sections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design applies local quality by creating different engagement characteristics at different locations. The first and second connectors engage the flanges with frictional force for secure connection, while the third connector positioned between them provides a localized release point that children can access with their thumbs, allowing easy separation without compromising overall connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The third connector acts as an intermediary release mechanism between the two main engagement points. It provides a dedicated thumb-accessible feature that mediates the separation process, allowing children to easily break down the track sections while the first and second connectors maintain the strong frictional engagement during normal use
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector height is increased to provide stiffening characteristics, then the alignment of abutting track sections is improved, but the track sections are elevated from the supporting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the alignment problem by transitioning from vertical stiffening to horizontal reinforcement. Instead of increasing connector height to elevate and stiffen the track sections, the design uses depending flanges that extend horizontally from the bottom of the track sections to provide the necessary stiffening and alignment characteristics while keeping the track sections at the proper height
3Strength
If multiple flanges and elevated connectors are used to improve strength and alignment, then the desired objects are achieved, but the amount of material needed for each track section and connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the connector design. The depending flanges serve both as stiffening elements and as engagement surfaces for the connectors. The first, second, and third connectors are integrated into a single piece that provides both structural support and the release mechanism, reducing the total material needed compared to separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The depending flanges perform multiple functions: they stiffen the track sections, provide engagement surfaces for the connectors, and maintain the proper spacing between track sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional material that would otherwise be required for separate stiffening components
4Strength
If multiple flanges and complex connectors are used to improve strength and alignment, then the desired performance is achieved, but the fabrication process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple connector elements into a single molded piece. The first, second, and third connectors are all formed as one integrated component with depending flanges, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for multiple connector parts. This simplifies fabrication while maintaining the strong frictional engagement and alignment characteristics
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 solution provides improved alignment and securement of track sections with reduced material and manufacturing costs, while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly, especially for children, by using a rib frame and third post design that enhances frictional engagement and alignment without elevating the track sections.
Implementation Method 1
providing multiple joined connectors to frictionally engage the multiple flanges
Data Source
AI summary
A toy vehicle track section connector has a main body with opposing planar first and second surfaces defined by a central portion, first and second outer portions, and first and second end portions joining the central, first and second portions together. Two smaller posts and a third larger post project from the first surface at positions along the longitudinal centerline and on opposite sides of the transverse centerline of the connector. A plurality of ribs project outwardly from the second surface along the first and second outer sections and first and second end portions and form a frame sized to be received in a channel provided on the bottom side of each track section. A hole and cutout are provided at each end of each track section to receive either smaller post and half the larger post, respectively.