Transformable Ball Toy Impact Unfolding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional children's ball games are often boring and lack variety, leading to quick loss of interest, and they do not provide adequate physical activity or entertainment for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A transformable toy ball made of flexible fiberglass rods covered in pliable plastic, integrated into a ripstop nylon exterior, which can change shape from spherical to unique configurations like planes, gliders, and parachutes upon impact, allowing children to engage in varied play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball games are used, then children can play simple games, but children get bored easily and lose interest
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is designed to dynamically change its configuration from a compact spherical shape to an unfolded three-dimensional shape upon impact with a surface. This dynamic transformation creates varied play experiences as children can chase the ball in different shapes, significantly extending engagement time and preventing boredom associated with static conventional balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball utilizes impact force to trigger parameter changes in its structure. When thrown against a hard surface, the impact causes the ball to unfold from a compact spherical configuration to an expanded three-dimensional configuration, creating unpredictable and varied play patterns that maintain children's interest over extended periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple game equipment are purchased to keep children entertained, then play variety increases, but storage space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformable ball serves multiple functions within a single device. It can be played with as a traditional ball when in compact spherical shape, and transforms into various three-dimensional shapes for different play styles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for parents to purchase multiple separate toys, reducing storage requirements and overall cost while maintaining high play variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball features a nested structure where the playing components are contained within a compact spherical shell during storage. When activated by impact, the nested components unfold and expand into various three-dimensional configurations, allowing one toy to replace multiple separate toys and significantly reducing storage space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If children play conventional ball games indoors, then physical activity is reduced, but indoor play safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic shape-changing capability allows the ball to be safely played with indoors in its compact spherical form, then transforms into engaging three-dimensional shapes upon impact to maintain physical activity. This dynamic behavior enables safe indoor play while still providing the physical exercise benefits of active ball games.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a generally spherical toy ball constructed to unfold to a unique shape upon impact with a rigid surface. The ball includes an exterior generally spherical structure having a plurality of flexible fiberglass rods disposed therein with each rod covered by a pliable plastic. Each rod has interlocking ends configured to releasably attach to form the generally spherical shape. The interlocking ends are released during impact as a result of the force imposed when the ball hits a floor or any other rigid surface to transform into the unique shape. The flexible fiberglass rods are designed to enable the ball to attain a second shape such as a parachute, kite, plane, and the like upon unfolding. The toy is reconfigured to fold to the spherical shape (i.e., first shape) upon locking the interlocking ends together.