CONCEPT 1: SEE SLIDE
This is a desktop toy that is based on the principles of gravity and spring recoil. As can be seen in the picture, the tiny toy man is riding a seat fitted with wheels that is free to roll up and down the see-saw. As the toy man rolls down the sea saw, his weight depresses the spring. When the spring is sufficiently depressed, it recoils thus causing the toy man to be sent rolling back in the opposite direction. The same thing happens when he gets to the other end of the see saw.
This toy should be relatively cheap to manufacture, most of the cost coming from the two springs and the rolling seat. It will also be fairly durable as it is designed for light desktop play and not for rough or vigorous play. Given the tiny size of the toy man this toy would be targeted at children at least 4 to 5 years old so that choking hazards can be avoided.
Author: Rohit Rao (rur@andrew.cmu.edu)