Transformable Toy Magnetic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transformable toys cannot transform the card and toy together, nor can they perform various game methods using information hidden on the card's bottom surface, and they often stop moving after transformation, preventing further operation.

Innovation Solution

A transformable toy design featuring a main body with a transformation inducing unit that, when contacted, unlocks a locking mechanism using a magnetic force, allowing the toy to change shape by lifting parts off the ground, enabling floating and jumping operations, and exposing the bottom surface for interactive play.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the toy transforms by rotating members when a magnetic body contacts a card, then the toy changes shape from first shape to second shape, but the card and toy cannot be transformed together and the toy stops moving after transformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toy is divided into multiple separable members (first member, second member, third member) that can be independently transformed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the toy to transform into different shapes while maintaining the ability to continue moving and operating, as each member can be independently controlled after transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking parts are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the toy to switch between locked (transformed) and unlocked (movable) states. This dynamic control enables the toy to maintain continuous operation capability while achieving transformation, resolving the contradiction between transformation capability and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the locking part fixes the body parts to maintain the first shape, then the toy structure is stable, but the toy cannot perform various game methods using information on the card's bottom surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidgame method versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface of the card is pre-designed with hidden information and magnetic bodies that prepare for subsequent game interactions. This preliminary preparation allows the toy to access and utilize the hidden information after transformation, enabling various game methods while maintaining structural stability during transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic body serves as an intermediary that facilitates interaction between the toy and the card's hidden information. Through magnetic attraction and the transformation process, the toy can access information on the card's bottom surface, enabling versatile game methods while the locking mechanism maintains structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the toy stops on the card after transformation, then the transformed toy is fixed, but the toy cannot move any more nor perform further operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation fixationVSAvoidoperation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the toy to switch between locked (fixed) and unlocked (movable) states. This enables the toy to maintain fixation when needed for transformation while retaining the ability to move and perform further operations, thus extending the duration of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking parts can be discarded (engaged) to fix the transformed shape and then recovered (disengaged) to restore movement capability. This cyclical engagement and disengagement allows the toy to alternate between fixation for transformation and movement for continued operation, extending the overall duration of action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enhances play experience by allowing the toy to transform and interact with cards in various ways, including popping up and moving, thus providing more fun and versatile play options.

Implementation Method 1

When the locking part is unlocked by an operation of the transformation inducing unit, the first body portion is moved away from the part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11648486B2Transformable toy

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 CHOIROCK CONTENTS FAB CO LTD

AI summary

A transformable toy including a main body and a transformation inducing unit, wherein the main boy includes a body part; at least one first body portion; at least one pressing part; and a locking part to fix the body part and the first body portion to the main body. When the locking part is unlocked by an operation of the transformation inducing unit, the first body portion and the one pressing part are moved away from the body part such that the toy transforms from a first shape into a second shape in which at least a portion of the main body is caused to be floating from a floor by the pressing part.