Project 1: Toy Concept 1

Magnet Madness

Magnet Madness is a game that impliments the physical principles of magnetism and the elasticity of springs. The child will learn the theories of attration/repulsion of magnets. Also, by using a spring in the construction, the children will fully understand the principles of how a spring, when stretched out with a force, will return to its original form after the force is released; this is the physical property of elasticity. The game is targeted towards children between the ages of 7 and 12.

Construction of the game will be relatively inexpensive. The game will be made of separate parts so that manufacturing costs are decreased. Also, the material chosen for the main game board frame, plastic, will make the product cheaper to produce. Plastic allows for the game to be more durable, especially with how children play and tend to break objets easily. Magnets and springs will also be used in constrution.

Safety is another concern the manufacturers must take into acount. Since small childen will be using and playing with the game, all situations must be considered. Smaller children could swallow the magnets and choke. Thus, the game is advised for use for children older than 7.

Modelled after the well-known game "Hungry Hippos", Magnet Madness is played with two players. The goal is to collect the more magnets than the opposer. Instructions on how to play are explained below with dawings.

Instructions

The two children sit opposite each other, each one with their own magnet grabber. The magnet will spring out to the center of the board to attract or repel the magnets. The spring will then bounce back due to the sping force, and the child will collect the magnets, until all the magnets are gone. The child with themost magnets at the end wins the game.

The magnet is connected to the main frame by two springs, one on each side. In order to pull back the spring and create tension in the spring, the child pulls the tab back. The tab is a long plastic piece that is in the shape of a "L" (refer also to the side view of the magnet grabber). It slides back and forth in the slit on the main frame. The slit also provides opportunity for pivoting the magnet. This way the child can get a magnet anywhere on the board.

After pulling the tab back, the child lifts the end of the tab to release the magnet. The tab acts as a lever and it rolls over the ball inside. When released, the magnet shoots out onto the board and attracts a magnet. The magnet will then spring back and the child can catch it on its return by pushing down the tab at the end.