Toy Vehicle Track Support with Rotating Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toy vehicle track sets are limited in configuration, allowing only horizontal and vertical orientations, restricting the variety of pathways and creative play possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A toy vehicle track set with a support system featuring a base and an elongate member with movably coupled couplers, enabling track sections to be slid, rotated, and positioned in various orientations, including curved configurations, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in track arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If track sections are connected using fixed mounting positions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the variety of orientations and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with a movable mounting component that can rotate and adjust to different angles, transforming a static connection system into a dynamic one. This allows track sections to be positioned in multiple orientations while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by introducing controlled movement rather than multiple fixed positions
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a base, an elongate member, and a coupler with movable mounting component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the coupler handles orientation adjustment while the elongate member provides structural support, reducing overall system complexity while increasing adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If track sections are limited to horizontal and vertical planes, then the track set is easy to assemble and operate, but the quantity of potential configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting component adds a rotational degree of freedom to the track connection system, transitioning from a two-plane (horizontal and vertical) limitation to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Users can now create configurations that extend in multiple directions and angles, dramatically increasing the quantity of potential track configurations while maintaining intuitive assembly through the mechanical coupling mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If couplers are fixed to the elongate member, then the structure is more stable and reliable, but the ability to create curved configurations and experiment with different layouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a movable mounting component that provides controlled movement capability while maintaining secure connection. The mounting component can rotate and adjust to create curved configurations, yet when positioned, it provides stable support for the track section. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by allowing movement during configuration while maintaining stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler's mounting component can change its angular parameter to accommodate different track orientations and curved configurations. By allowing this parameter to vary within a controlled range, the system achieves both adaptability for creative layouts and reliability through defined mechanical constraints that prevent excessive movement or instability
Data Source
AI summary
A toy vehicle track set is disclosed herein. The track set includes at least one track section and a support that can hold the track section in a particular orientation or position relative to a support surface. In one embodiment, the support includes a base, a support member that is coupleable to the base, and a coupler that is connected to the support member. The track section can be engaged with the coupler which is movably mounted to the support member.