Project 1: Concept 1- Adjustable Control Glider
Physical Principal: This toy is based on the principles of aerodynamics that allow aircraft to sustain controlled flight safely. The child, in the process of playing with this toy, will learn the how changes in the control surfaces of an aircraft affect the flight of the aircraft. The child will also learn about stall conditions and how they can be best avoided by changing the control surfaces.
Toy Interaction: Children will play with this glider by manipulating the control surfaces and then “test flying” the glider to learn how the changes the child has made in the control surfaces affect the flight of the glider. The glider can be launched by throwing or with the aide of a rubber band launcher for higher velocity launches.
Manufacture and Safety issues: The
glider would be made of lightweight closed cell foam that would be durable and
be able to withstand the crashes that will inevitably occur. The mechanism used to alter the control
surfaces would be made of plastic to keep weight down and provide for a durable
mechanism. The glider would have a soft
nose-cone to prevent injuries resulting from Human-Glider collisions.