Toy Concept 3
Spring Powered Basketball
Basketball
Toy Information
Principle:

The principle this toy is based off of is the storage of energy in a spring. The child will learn how compressing the spring different amounts will make the ping pong ball go varying distances and heights. By playing with this game the child will also improve their depth perception by learning how much force is needed to throw the ball a certain distance. The child will be able to position the basketball hoop at a number of different distances.

Interaction with Child:

First the child will set the basketball hoop at the desired distance. Next, the child will place the ping pong ball in the concave part of the launcher and apply a force on the spring. When the child thinks it is the right amount of force, he will let go and see if the ball goes in the basket. If he does not make the shot, he will repeat the steps until the shot is made.

Construction Cost:

This toy will be fairly easy to make and therefore not too costly. A base with a hinge and holes for the hoop must be made. Next the launcher with spring will be attached. The hoop will be assembled and placed in the box to allow for a smaller package. Almost all of the parts can be made from a mold so the individual parts will not be expensive to make either.

Durability:

This toy should be fairly durable. The weak link of the toy is the basketball hoop, which could snap or bend if enough force is applied to it. The ping pong ball could also easily be cracked or dented, but will be easy to replace.

Safety:

This toy will be suitable for all children 4 and up. The ping pong ball could be swallowed by any child under 4. Another concern could be having a child fall on the toy and being impaled by the basketball hoop. However, the hoop will be made out of a plastic pliable enough to bend under such a force.

Adam Seibert
aseibert@andrew.cmu.edu