Weighted Head-and-Tail Throw Toy for Long-Distance Catching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys lack the ability to be thrown a great distance with ease and accuracy, particularly when thrown underhand, and do not offer versatile gameplay options or customizable weight distribution for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid foam-like head and tail/handle design with weighted mass distribution, allowing for easy throwing and catching, customizable weight adjustment, and integrated whistle assembly for enhanced gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the toy is designed with customizable weight distribution, then throwing distance and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into distinct segments (head and tail) that can be separately weighted and adjusted. The head portion and tail portion are separate components with independent weight customization options, allowing users to optimize the balance point for desired throwing characteristics without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable weight parameters through removable weights or adjustable weight distribution mechanisms in the head and tail portions. Users can modify the weight distribution ratio between segments to optimize throwing distance, accuracy, and flight characteristics for different playing conditions.
2Strength
If the toy uses semi-rigid foam material, then structural integrity and durability are improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The toy utilizes composite construction combining semi-rigid foam material with reinforcing elements such as internal skeletons or layered structures. This composite approach provides the necessary structural integrity and durability for withstanding repeated throwing and catching while maintaining manufacturability through standardized material and assembly processes.
3Ease of operation
If the toy is designed for underhand throwing, then ease of operation is improved, but throwing distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toy's weight distribution parameters are specifically optimized for underhand throwing mechanics. By adjusting the center of gravity and weight ratio between head and tail, the design enables players to achieve greater throwing distance through the natural motion of underhand throwing while maintaining ease of operation and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A throw and catch toy having a head section and a long tail section. The head section is weight such that the weight of the toy is distributed more towards the head end of the toy. The head is affixed to the tail by means of a tube which can whistle when the toy is thrown.