Hemispherical Toy Device With Wavy Flange For Balance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-efficient, space-saving device that enhances movement and balance skills in children and adults, particularly for rehabilitation purposes, which can be used in a family setting and is aesthetically pleasing and safe for various age groups.
Innovation Solution
A toy device with a hollow spherical-segment or spherical-cap shape featuring an alternate-geometry surface, including a hemispherical portion, a cylindrical portion with an annular side flange, and an upper flange with projections, designed for comfortable and versatile use, providing support and stimulation for balance and movement exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid globe surface is divided into combinable portions for therapeutic use, then the device can provide multiple movement types and positions for rehabilitation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid globe surface is divided into multiple combinable spherical segments that can be assembled in different configurations. Each segment can be independently positioned and connected, allowing the device to provide various movement types and therapeutic positions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and alternate-geometry surfaces that allow the same components to serve multiple therapeutic functions. The segments can be combined in different arrangements to provide rolling, sliding, climbing, and balancing exercises, making the device multi-functional without requiring completely separate components for each exercise type
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts are attached to the spherical segments to extend functionality, then impossible movement types become executable, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Additional functional parts such as handles, grips, and surface features are merged directly into the spherical segment structures during manufacturing. The alternate-geometry surfaces incorporate varied textures and protrusions that provide grip and stimulation without requiring separate attachable components, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical segments feature locally varied geometries with different surface properties in different regions. Specific areas have enhanced grip textures, protrusions, or contours tailored to particular exercise types, allowing the segments to provide multiple movement capabilities through localized feature variations rather than requiring separate parts for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for use by the entire family including parents and siblings, then the inspiring influence and personal example are enhanced, but the device must accommodate diverse body sizes and abilities increasing design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and scalable geometry that allow the same device configuration to accommodate users of different sizes and abilities. Parents, siblings, and children can all use the device in appropriate positions, with the modular design allowing easy reconfiguration to suit different user needs and body dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements such as movable segments and reconfigurable connections that can be easily adjusted by users of different ages and abilities. The segments can be positioned at various heights and angles, and the modular design allows quick reconfiguration without tools or complex mechanisms, enabling family members of all sizes to participate safely
Data Source
AI summary
Toy device (1) for coordination and motion skill development having a hollow spherical-segment or spherical-cap shape, it comprises an alternate-geometry portion (3) arranged in an annular fashion in the region of the edge of the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof. Preferably the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof is a hemisphere surface, that is, the spherical cap is produced by intersecting the sphere with a plane passing through the centre of the sphere, and a cylindrical portion (4) is connected to the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof along the circumference of the spherical cap, with the toy device comprising an annular side flange (6) extending outward from the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, with the side flange (6) being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, and the side flange (6) having an endless wavy shape (7) configuration.