Toy Vehicle Track Riser Using Interlocking Support Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toy tracks require bulky and expensive structures or unstable supports to create elevated sections, limiting versatility and stability, and are not easily adaptable to multiple heights.
Innovation Solution
A track riser with parallel track depressions and connectors that allow for removably coupling with other track sections, providing stability and versatility by enabling elevated sections at various heights without the need for bulky structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If bulky structures are incorporated into the track to create elevated sections, then the track can be elevated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into separate functional components: a riser element that provides elevation and track sections that provide structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for bulky integrated structures while achieving the same elevation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser element acts as an intermediary component between the support surface and the track sections. It transfers the elevation function from the track to a separate element, allowing the track itself to remain simple while still achieving elevated positioning through the riser's insertion through the track's openings.
2Shape
If multiple supports are positioned beneath the track sections to create elevated portions, then the track can be elevated, but the stability decreases and the supports are limited to creating just one height
Solution Approach 1:
The riser element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides elevation, structural support, and stability simultaneously. By merging the support function with the elevation function in one integrated element that interlocks with the track, the system achieves both elevated positioning and enhanced stability, eliminating the need for separate unstable supports.
3Shape
If multiple supports are positioned beneath the track sections to create elevated portions, then the track can be elevated, but the adaptability to multiple heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The riser element is designed with dynamic adaptability through its opening that receives the male connector portion of track sections. This allows the same riser element to accommodate different track section configurations and achieve multiple height levels by simply changing which track sections are inserted, without requiring different support structures for each height.
4Shape
If bulky structures are incorporated into the track to create elevated sections, then the track can be elevated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The riser element is designed as a universal component that can be used with different track section types and configurations. Its standardized opening and connector design allow it to work with various track sections, eliminating the need for custom bulky structures for each application and reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a track riser for a toy vehicle track set. The track riser includes a pair of track depressions and a male and female connector that enable other track sections to be coupled to the track riser so that a toy vehicle can travel along the track sections and over the track riser. The track riser also includes a pair of openings. The male connectors of two equally sized track sections can be inserted through the openings of the track riser so that the track sections extend downwardly from the track riser. In this orientation, the two track sections act as supports to raise the track riser above the support surface.