Universal Ball Joints for Interchangeable Toy Figure Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy figures with ball joints lack versatility in combining and interchanging body parts, particularly across different toy figures, limiting the variety of configurations and creativity in play.
Innovation Solution
A toy figure design featuring universally designed ball joints that allow interchangeable and detachable connections between body parts, using joint parts with a joint axis and a combination of materials to ensure secure yet easy assembly and disassembly, along with adapter pieces for varying sizes, enabling multiple configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball joints of different sizes are used to connect body parts, then the connection is fixed and stable, but the versatility of combining and interchanging body parts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized joint system where all ball joints share the same basic structure, size, and connection interface. This allows any body part with a joint to connect to any other body part regardless of its function or position, enabling unlimited combinations and interchanges while maintaining connection stability through the universal joint design
2Ease of operation
If ball heads are firmly connected to body parts via stems or formed in one piece, then the connection strength is high, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a detachable joint connection that transitions between two states: a firmly connected state during play that provides strong mechanical bonding, and an easily separable state when force is applied to disconnect the parts. The joint maintains strength when assembled while allowing simple removal, enabling both secure play and easy reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If body parts are designed for easy interchangeability, then the creativity in play is enhanced, but the reliability of individual connections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint design ensures that every connection point across all body parts maintains identical structural integrity and connection reliability, regardless of how frequently parts are exchanged. The standardized interface guarantees consistent mechanical strength and secure bonding for each connection, enabling reliable play even with frequent reconfigurations
Data Source
AI summary
A toy figure (1) with a plurality of movable body parts (2) is provided. In each case, two body parts (2) are releasably connected to one another by a ball joint (4). The ball joint (4) has a first joint part (41) and a second joint part (42). Each joint part (41, 42) has a first end and an opposite second end, which are connected to each other via a joint axis (43). A joint head (411) is arranged at the first end of the first joint part (41) and a joint socket (421) is arranged at the first end of the second joint part (42). The joint socket (421) movably accomodates the joint head. An anchor for attaching the respective joint part to a body part is arranged at the second end of the first joint part and at the second end of the second joint part.