Wind-up Ride-on Toy Elastic Band Propulsion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of ride-on toys equipped with a wind-up mechanism to propel a rider, creating a need for a new and improved design that utilizes stored energy for forward motion.
Innovation Solution
A ride-on toy with a wind-up mechanism featuring an elastic band and a rotatable spool, where the elastic band is stretched and stored energy is released to rotate the wheels, propelled by gears connected between the spool and axle, allowing the toy to move forward when the band returns to its relaxed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wind-up mechanism with elastic band and spool is added to propel the ride-on toy, then the toy gains autonomous forward motion capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the propulsion function with the existing ride-on toy structure by integrating a wind-up mechanism that includes an elastic band, spool, and gear system. The spool connects to the axle through gears, merging the energy storage and transmission functions into a unified mechanical system that enables autonomous motion without requiring separate propulsion components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind-up mechanism allows preliminary action by winding the elastic band around the spool before operation. This pre-stores mechanical energy in the elastic band, which is then released to propel the toy forward. The user performs the winding action in advance, and the stored energy automatically drives the toy during play without requiring continuous input.
2Power
If gears are added between the spool and axle to transmit rotational motion, then the propulsion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spool and the axle. The gears transmit and modify the rotational motion from the spool to the axle, providing mechanical advantage and ensuring efficient power transfer. This intermediary system allows the elastic band's rotational energy to be effectively converted into wheel-driven propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connection with a gear-based mechanical system. Instead of directly connecting the spool to the axle, gears are used to transmit motion, which allows for better control over the transmission ratio and more efficient power transfer while maintaining a purely mechanical system without requiring electronic or hydraulic components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the elastic band is stretched to store energy for propulsion, then the forward motion capability is enhanced, but the stress on the elastic band increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind-up mechanism design inherently cushions the stress on the elastic band by using the gradual winding process. As the user winds the spool, the elastic band stretches progressively, distributing the stress over time rather than applying it suddenly. The gear system also provides mechanical advantage that reduces the peak stress on the elastic band while maintaining effective energy storage.
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
The wind-up mechanism effectively propels the ride-on toy forward using stored energy, providing a fun and efficient means of movement for riders, enhancing the riding experience with a unique and innovative propulsion method.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic band is fixed at a first end within the body portion and is attached with the rotatable spool at a second end. Additionally, the rotatable spool is operably connected with the first axle, such that winding the elastic band around the spool causes the elastic band to transition from a relaxed state to a stretched state and upon allowing the elastic band to return to the relaxed state, the spool rotates the first axle and pair of wheels
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a wind-up ride on toy with wind-up mechanism to propel a rider. The ride on toy comprises a body portion having a seat portion. A first axle is rotatably connected with the body portion, while a pair of wheels are connected with the first axle. The wind-up mechanism has an elastic band and a rotatable spool. The elastic band is fixed at a first end within the body portion and is attached with the rotatable spool at a second end. Additionally, the rotatable spool is operably connected with the first axle, such that winding the elastic band around the spool causes the elastic band to transition from a relaxed state to a stretched state and, upon allowing the elastic band to return to the relaxed state, the spool rotates the first axle and pair of wheels, thereby causing the wind-up ride on toy to propel forward.