Yo-Yo Twist-On Releasable Rim Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional yo-yos require multiple units to accommodate different tricks and conditions, leading to increased costs and inconvenience due to the need for various shapes, weights, and materials, and existing exchangeable systems are often complex or require special tools.

Innovation Solution

A yo-yo design featuring replaceable disk-shaped rim members and body portions that can be easily secured and modified using a resilient lock ring and gear-type locking mechanisms, allowing users to change the shape, weight, and material for optimal performance without needing multiple yo-yos.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional yo-yos use unitary construction with fixed rims and bodies, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different tricks and conditions is limited requiring multiple yo-yos

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The yo-yo is divided into separate replaceable components including body portions, rim members, and hub portions that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows users to customize their yo-yo for different tricks and conditions without requiring multiple complete yo-yos, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single yo-yo platform supports multiple functions and configurations through interchangeable body portions and rim members. The universal hub portion interface allows different body and rim combinations to achieve various trick requirements, weight distributions, and material properties from one base unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If exchangeable rim members use complex locking mechanisms or special tools, then securement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient lock ring automatically engages with the rim member's locking protrusions through simple insertion and rotation, without requiring external tools or complex manual operations. The spring-loaded mechanism self-secures the rim member to the hub portion, maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional multi-step mechanical fastening systems are replaced with a single-action resilient lock ring that uses elastic deformation to create secure engagement. The spring mechanism provides automatic locking through material elasticity rather than complex threaded or snap-fit assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple yo-yos are used for different tricks and conditions, then adaptability is improved, but cost and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidquantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The yo-yo system uses a universal hub portion interface that accommodates multiple body portions and rim members with different weights, shapes, and materials. This allows a single yo-yo base to perform multiple functions for different tricks and conditions, eliminating the need to own and manage multiple complete yo-yos

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If replaceable components use simple securement methods, then ease of operation is improved, but securement reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock ring uses a circular, continuous structure that wraps around the rim member's locking protrusions, distributing the securing force evenly around the circumference. This curved geometry provides reliable engagement while allowing smooth insertion and removal through rotational movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient lock ring utilizes elastic deformation of the spring material to create secure engagement. When compressed during assembly, the spring material deforms elastically to lock the rim member in place, providing reliable securement through material property changes rather than complex mechanical interlocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8328595B2Yo-yo having twist-on releasable rims and yo-yo having twist-on gear-locked bodies

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 BANDAI CO LTD

AI summary

The invention is an improved yo-yo that features two side assemblies that sandwich a center axle onto which the yo-yo's tether may be secured. According to a first embodiment, each of the side assemblies preferably includes a releasable, disk-shaped rim piece. By replacing one set of replaceable rim pieces with another, a user can quickly and easily change the yo-yo's shape, look and/or functionality. To remove a rim piece, one first removes a lock ring that is secured to the rim piece and blocks a number of openings that lead to grooves in a center-located hub. Next, one employs a twisting movement of the rim piece to cause a number of tabs attached to the rim piece to slide in the hub's grooves until the tabs are aligned with the openings. The rim piece can then be disengaged from the yo-yo.