HIGH-SPEED SPINNING TOY TOP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a high-speed spinning toy top which spins at very high RPM, its operation, its method of production and unique playing experience it provides for its users. Invention further covers a kit having components from which a high-speed spinning toy top can be produced. Further the toy tops made are durable, they spin with very high RPM with speed increment from a base RPM and preferably with an engaging sound. They are simple and faster to manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Making of High-Speed Spinning Toy Top presented multiple challenges.

Conventionally toy top uses gear trains /gears for increasing the speed of the toy top. Launching of toy top is done by either manually or by using electric motor these methods applies heavy loads on gears while launching thus limiting the overall life of the mechanism.

Some toys use high RPM motor instead of gears although motor RPM is high it is limited by motor construction and launching mechanism,

More number of gears are required to increase the speed which is difficult due to their less lifespan. Advancement in motor is limited due to requirement of additional component in compact space.

The several experiments and research work has been carried out which leads to overcome the prior difficulties. The field weakening technique is used in the present invention for i) increasing the speed ii) launching of rotor iii) minimising the need of additional components in launcher and rotor apparatus for higher life expectancy and iv) making low cost, durable and simple design. Or alternatively principle of gyroscopic effect is employed to overcome prior difficulties. Conventionally toy tops are manufactured in a specifically designed manufacturing plant which requires lot of capital investment. The present invention provides the alternative approach for easy and fast production of these high-speed spinning toy tops. Alternative approach includes fabrication of toy tops from conventionally available out-runner brushless dc motors, normally used in RC toys and hobby aircraft industry, or any other motor capable of implementing field weakening technique can be used for conversion. Conversion includes simple modifications and for further enhancement in operation point contact launching mechanism for less friction is employed. Also, for more engagement with device several attachments are provided as described in the present invention.

The US patent US6905389B2 provides a toy top unit comprising a toy top, driving means for rotating said toy top, and a game board for receiving said toy top, Spinning is operated by linking it with a pulling-out operation of rack belt. No electric power is used for spinning of the toy top. The patent also provides game board with plurality of cavities to attach magnet for effecting the movement of the toy top having magnet in its body.

The patent KR200405222Y1 discloses the mechanism of generating sound and emitting light in the top while spinning,

In the patent US20090325457A1, an electric spinning toy is described. This toy comprises of axle at centre, a motor to rotate axle, switch with flexible conductive leaf for actuating motor, blade attached to the axle and casing having vents for air flow. Power is supplied by the batteries. No launcher is provided as initial motion is provided by simply rotating the handle integrated with the axle at the centre.

The present invention provides a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top having a means to increase the speed of the motor without adding any additional component. Present invention also provides the method of production / conversion of toy top along with the kit having suitable component to make toy top.

The US patent US3726146A provides the gyroscopic device comprising a rotor having a shaft to revolve around a spin axis; the said rotor has a support structure allowing the rotor to rotate about spin axis and cause precession of said rotor about said second axis on application of torque about a third axis at right angles to both said spin and second axis. This patent does not provide construction of a toy top and it does not even provide the means to detach rotor from the support structure. Further, it does not use electric energy for speed increment of rotor. In the present invention rotor is detachable from the support structure and may employ electricity for rotating the rotor.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

First object of the invention is to provide a toy top with high spinning speed and optionally an engaging sound to provide unique playing experience to user.

Second object of the invention is to provide a toy top having high durability, low cost manufacturing and simple construction. Low cost manufacturing is possible due to simple design, abundant availability of the components, less components in launcher.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide kits and simple methods to manufacture tops from such kits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. These toy tops are characterized in that they have at least two speeds; the first before launch and second at launch. The second speed is much higher than the first speed. Since the toy tops are launched with such high RPM, they can spin for long time such as for at least 1 min, preferably for at least 2 mins and most preferably even for around 5 mins or longer. This provides very exciting and unique playing experience for users.

Under the first aspect, the invention relates to a construction of a high-speed spinning toy top. The high-speed spinning toy top has following components. i) a rotor assembly; ii) a stator assembly; and

iii) a launcher assembly;

or alternatively, a modified launcher assembly.

Further the toy top has following optional components

i) a power source and an auxiliary power source;

ii) a motor controller or an electronic control unit;

iii) point contact bearing release mechanism;

iv) light reflective surface rotor;

v) a control input such as buttons to control;

vi) one or more status indicators, each either having a text on display or LED.; vii) one or more external attachment.

The high-speed spinning toy top presents very attractive toy top for children. Further, robustness and durability of toy top of the present invention are unparalleled. The second aspect provides methods of operation of the toy top by increasing speed of toy top from a first speed preferably a base RPM to a second speed of higher RPM (desired speed) before or at the time of launch of rotor. Second speed is higher than the first speed and this can be achieved by various methods.

First method to achieve enhancement of speed from a base RPM to a desired higher RPM (second speed) employs a field weakening principle to achieve high-speed spinning toy top.

Second method does not employ field weakening principle but employs gyroscopic effect to achieve higher RPM (second speed) from a base RPM (first speed).

There are multiple ways to achieve field weakening. One of the preferred ways is to axially sliding out rotor assembly from stator assembly. Another preferred way is to slide out rotor radially from the stator assembly. In an axial sliding out method as rotor is taken away from the stator, there is continuous field weakening and continuous rise in speed of rotor. The rotor is launched by completely sliding out of the motor at a high-speed when rotor goes sufficiently away from the stator and is spinning at high-speed. The increase in the speed of rotor is achieved by gradually pushing out rotor shaft from the stator assembly. The speed of the rotor is inversely proportional to strength of the magnetic field which depends on the rotor stator interactions. As rotor stator interactions reduce due to gradually taking away the rotor from the stator assembly, the magnetic field of the rotor is reduced thereby substantially increasing the speed of rotor. At this point, the launcher launches the rotor which spins at very high RPM and optionally generates an engaging sound due to this high RPM.

Another preferred way of sliding out rotor from the stator assembly is radial slide out. Field weakening is achieved by separating/guiding out stator assembly gradually form the top cover in direction perpendicular to the rotor shaft in a controlled manner to take away from the stator the rotating rotor which is still retained in the top cover with the help of the rotor retaining element to reduce the rotor stator interaction thereby causing field weakening and a corresponding increase in the speed of rotating rotor to arrive at desired second speed.

Second method does not employ field weakening principle but employs gyroscopic effect to achieve higher RPM from a base RPM. In this method, a rotor is placed inside a support structure which is made by aligning the top cover and the stator using guiding dowels. This support structure has an internal circular portion provided with two internal grooves / circular tracks (708, 709). The rotor is mounted on a rotor shaft extending diametrically across the circular portion with its ends received in the groove / track. The tracks positioned on each side of the rotor shaft in such way that ends of the rotor shaft can engage and roll upon the surfaces of the tracks. A rotor retaining element (ring) is positioned in between grooves / tracks 708 and 709 to rotate circumferentially. The ring has diametrically spaced notches in its inner periphery to receive the ends of the rotor shaft for maintaining them 180 degree apart and the adjustable dowel is kept in released position for free movement of second axis of rotor to occur.

When rotor is made to rotate around its axis which is a spin axis and also about a second axis which is at right angles to such spin axis, such second axis and circular tracks are concentric to each other and ends of the rotor shaft get engaged and roll upon the surfaces of the circular tracks.

Then by applying a torque about a third axis at right angles to both the spin axis and the second axis, the rotor is caused to precess about the second axis in a direction which tends to bring the spin axis into coincidence with the third axis and also causes the direction of rotation of the rotor about the spin axis to be the same as the direction of the applied torque. This precession produces a gyroscopic torque about the third axis resisting the applied torque so that one end of the rotor shaft is pressed into contact with one of the tracks and the other end is pressed into contact with the other tracks present on stator and top cover respectively. The precession of the rotor about the second axis is in a direction which causes the ends of the rotor shaft to roll on the surfaces of the tracks in a direction which increases the speed of rotation of the rotor about its spin axis.

By manually gyrating the axis of applied torque about the second axis in the same direction and at the same speed as the precession of the rotor about such axis, a continuous accelerating torque is applied to the rotor about its spin axis due to such precession of the rotor and the rolling of the ends of the rotor shaft upon the tracks.

The third aspect offers a method of providing unique playing experience to children and adults. The unique playing experience lies in improved performance of the toy top as compared to any conventional toy top or any toy top known in the art. The unique playing experience provides

i) a toy top with a high spinning speed and optionally an engaging sound. Due to high spinning speed and an engaging sound the toy top is quite attractive for kids. ii) multiplayer experience

iii) simple operations and yet very engaging experience.

iv) upgrades are available to user for more advanced and joyful playing experience; and most importantly, it provides one or more unique attachments to enhance user’ s playing experience. The fourth aspect provides a method for production of toy top as well as large scale manufacturing of toy top. The method of production of toy top can be followed in two ways.

1. Manufacturing toy top from components already existing in same or different form. For example, if components are available in desired form, they can be assembled but if they are not available in desired form, they can be modified and converted into the desired form; or

2. Manufacturing of each component from basic raw materials and assembling components further to produce high-speed spinning toy top.

Fifth aspect provides kits for ease of assembling toy tops of the present invention and for assembling one or more of several attachments to produce different variants of toy top.

Kit comprises following components.

1. Rotor assembly and stator assembly together forming Motor;

2. Launcher Assembly or modified launcher assembly;

and optionally

3. Electronic control unit / motor controller:

4. Instruction manual which may be in audio form, video form and or text based or any combinations of the same.

5. power source: rechargeable battery or disposable battery to power the components of toy device;

6. auxiliary power source: a dedicated power source to run and optionally recharge power source of toy device; and

7. One or more external attachments BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Figure 1 provides design of rotor and stator according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 provides various external attachments of the toy top of the present invention.

Figure 3 provides operation of toy top with axial sliding mechanism.

Figure 4 provides block diagram of various components and their interrelationship with each other.

Figure 5 provides high-speed spinning toy top according to one of the embodiments. Figure 6 provides the steps of operation of toy top with radial sliding mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top.

These toy tops are characterized in that they have at least two speeds; the first before launch and second at launch. The second speed is much higher than the first speed. Since the toy tops are launched with such high RPM, they can spin for long time such as for at least 1 min, preferably for at least 2 mins and most preferably even for around 5 mins or longer. This provides very exciting and unique playing experience for users.

The invention provides a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top with high spinning speed and optionally with an engaging sound.

Under the first aspect, the invention relates to construction of a high-speed spinning toy top. The high-speed spinning toy top has following components.

i) a rotor assembly;

ii) a stator assembly; and

iii) a launcher assembly.

or alternatively, a modified launcher assembly comprising a top cover, a pair of guiding dowels and a pair of adjustable dowels; and

Further the toy top has following optional components

iv) a power source and optionally an auxiliary power source;

v) a motor controller / an electronic control unit;

vi) point contact bearing release mechanism;

vii) light reflective surface rotor;

viii) one or more-control input such as buttons to control;

ix) one or more status indicator; text on display or LED etc.

x) one or more external attachment

wherein the toy top is a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top capable of having a first speed / base RPM before launch of rotor and desired second speed / RPM higher than first speed / base RPM at launch wherein rotor completely slides out (axially or radially) from either stator assembly or modified launcher assembly. These toy tops are High-Speed Spinning Toy Tops which can be operated in two separate modes. Under first mode of operation which is based on field weakening, electric energization of rotor is used and hence the toy top is electric spinning toy top. In the second mode of operation which is based on gyroscopic effect which does not employ field weakening, along with electric energization, manual energization is mainly employed for rotor’s rotation.

For the toy top employing field weakening principle, a first speed as used herein refers to a maximum achievable speed, limited by factors related to construction of motor. Theoretical first speed of the motor is the product of Kv rating of the motor (Kv), and Voltage supplied to the motor. Keeping the constant voltage supply to the motor, motor speed cannot be increased further. This speed is referred as first speed. The speed of motor can be increased on same supply of voltage by changing Kv number of the motor by the process such as field weakening to achieve second speed more than first speed of motor. In field weakening rotor is taken away from the stator which brings in constructional changes in the motor which changes Kv rating of the motor and at this new Kv rating at constant voltage supply a higher speed is achieved which is referred as a second speed.

Example: In an embodiment, for a motor of lOOOKv and 12V, motor’s first speed is (1000* 12=) 12,000 RPM and achievable second speed by field weakening is 36,000 RPM (So theoretical KV Rating of motor achieved by field weakening is

3000 KV and motor is operating on 12V)

The term Second speed as used herein is the speed achieved after the first speed which can be obtained by change in Kv number of motor by process such as field weakening. Second speed crosses maximum achievable Speed limit set by first speed of motor by changing KV rating of motor.

For the toy top employing gyroscopic effect principle, a first speed is the speed of rotation of rotor shaft around first axis / spin axis at an instant of application of the torque about third axis when rotor shaft and circular tracks come into contact with each other. Second speed is higher than first speed and is achieved when applied torque enhances contact strength between rotor shaft and circular tracks to maximum extent (which reduces the friction) which causes enhancement of speed of rotor shaft about first axis i.e. spin axis. The maximum contact is achieved by rolling rotor shaft over the circular tracks without any slippage in a direction which increases the speed of rotation of the rotor about its spin axis.

Accordingly, under first aspect, the invention provides construction of high spinning toy top employing field weakening by either axial or radial sliding out of rotor as well as construction of high spinning toy top employing gyroscopic effect. High-Speed Spinning Toy Top employing field weakening by axial sliding mechanism.

These toy tops are High-Speed Electric Spinning Toy Tops. The construction of these toy tops are as follows:

i) Rotor assembly

The rotor assembly has a rotor housing, rotor shaft and plurality of permanent magnets arranged in alternating magnetic poles and attached inside housing of the rotor body. Rotor shaft is fixed to the rotor housing through a central hole in the rotor housing.

In an embodiment, rotor assembly is designed using multiple number of magnets are arranged in alternating poles, these magnets are facing axially to the stator core so that interaction between them occurs in axial manner rather than concentric circular manner.

ii) Stator assembly

The stator assembly is provided with plurality of stator teeth on which multiple turns of copper windings are coiled to make stator coil or stator windings. The plurality of stator teeth is prepared by stacking thin lamination core material on which multiple turns of insulated copper wires are wound up. When stator coil is energized, alternating magnetic poles on each stator teeth is generated. Electric connections of the stator winding are in star or delta configuration. Motor power wires of this connection are brought out for excitation of motor assembly. Further, stator assembly has set of bearings 107 i.e. stator bearings that are arranged concentrically to hold rotor shaft. The bearings preferably have chamfered edges to easily guide rotor shaft inside the stator. The stator assembly forms an electrically powered propulsion medium for rotor assembly.

Together, the construction of rotor assembly and stator assembly is identical to construction of permanent magnet brushless dc motor. Therefore, these two assemblies are hereinafter together referred as motor assembly.

In an embodiment, stator is designed using printed circuit board manufacturing technique where multiple stator coils are printed onto circuit board using copper tracks. Multiple layer PCB or magnetic core material may be integrated for increasing performance of motor.

For reliable operation of stator, it is necessary to take away the heat generated by stator during launching operations. For cooling purpose use of an electric fan can be done or any other cooling mechanism can be incorporated. Such cooling mechanisms can operate once a specific temperature is reached i.e. on a specific temperature feedback to maintain certain temperature of toy top.

Figure 1 provides design of rotor and stator according to one embodiment. The rotor assembly 100 has a rotor housing 104, rotor shaft 102 and plurality of permanent magnets 103 arranged in alternating magnetic poles and attached inside housing 104 of the rotor body. The stator assembly 101 is provided with plurality of stator teeth 105 on which multiple turns of copper windings 106 are coiled to make stator coil or stator windings. The plurality of stator teeth is prepared by stacking thin lamination core material

iii) Launcher assembly - The launcher assembly lies between stator assembly and rotor assembly and its main role is to conduct field weakening of rotor for its speed increment as well as release / launch of the rotor from the stator assembly. It has an ergonomic construction for comfortable grip. The launcher assembly has a body (300) with hole, a launch shaft, a launch button, shaft retaining element and fixing element for fixing /coupling with launcher assembly one or more of the motor controller / electronic control unit, control input, status indicator, power source, stator assembly, rotor assembly etc.. In an embodiment, the launcher body (300) is rectangular in shape with the concentric hole. The purpose of this concentric hole is to guide launch shaft through it so that rotor shaft next to the launch shaft can completely slide out axially from stator bearings.

The stator assembly is mounted on the launcher through fasteners or bolts which are connected to launcher through fixture holes of launcher.

iv) Power source and auxiliary power source - It includes rechargeable energy storage device such as batteries or set of disposable batteries. It is an internal power source of high-speed electric spinning device. When power source is rechargeable, it is charged using auxiliary power source.

The auxiliary power source may include a charger to charge rechargeable energy storage device. It may also include Power Bank or any other external power source. It has capacity to directly power High-Speed Electric Spinning Toy Top eliminating use of rechargeable energy storage device.

v) Electronic control unit or a motor controller - This unit represents overall control system for operation of High-Speed Electric Spinning Toy Top.

The electronic control unit / motor controller contains integrated circuit to execute its operation according to the logic provided. It controls supply of power to stator assembly via motor power wires to drive stator assembly.

vi) Point contact bearing release mechanism - Point contact bearing release mechanism for rotor refers to the pointed / sharp end of the launch shaft which touches the rotor shaft next to it for completely sliding out the rotor assembly axially from stator bearings for the launching process.

The rotor side end of the launch shaft is preferred to be sharp for enabling smooth contact to reduce frictional losses during contact with high-speed rotor assembly while field weakening and launching procedure. vii) Light reflective surface rotor - Many conventional spinning toy device use light emitting diode LED to generate attractive glowing designs but implementation of led requires power source to be present on rotor/top. Alternatively, ambient light from the environment can be used. This is also achieved by implementing light reflective or photoluminescence surface onto the rotor to achieve similar results. The places where ambient light doesn't reach, launcher assembly can employ a light source to accomplish the same effect.

High-Speed Spinning Toy Top employing field weakening by radial sliding mechanism.

The construction of these toy tops are as follows:

Rotor assembly: Rotor assembly has some weight to create gyroscopic effect on rotation. The rotor has multiple numbers of permanent magnets on the rotor surface with alternating polarity. Rotor shaft passes through the rotor assembly and lies perpendicular to it and fitted in a concentric manner. Rotor retaining element is in a form of circular ring or half circular ring or C-shaped with two holes at diametrically opposite ends to hold the ends of rotor shaft such that rotor can rotate freely while ends of the rotor shaft are held with the help of retaining element.

Stator assembly: Stator assembly is a half circular ball like structure to hold the rotor assembly. The radius of rotor retaining element is slightly less than the radius of stator assembly. The stator assembly has multiple number of stator teeth on the inner side where multiple number of copper coils are wounded to form electric propulsion system for rotor.

Launcher assembly comprises a modified launcher assembly comprising i) a Top cover;

ii) a pair of guiding dowels; and

iii) a pair of adjustable dowels.

Top cover is fabricated from transparent plastic or metallic material. It has a bowl like structure with a hole at the bottom of the bowl to access some portion of rotor assembly for manual operation. Groove / track 709 of the top cover from inside are fabricated in such way to form inner fitting element, which fits on to the stator assembly with its matching inner fitting element. Top cover fits on to the stator assembly forming a ball like circular structure with hole at its bottom for accessing rotor.

For alignment of the stator assembly and top cover, pair of guiding dowels is provided on top cover, which fits into the guiding dowel holes 712 present on the stator assembly. Another pair of adjustable dowels is present on top cover to hold the rotor retaining element in its desired position by guiding into rotor retaining element dowel hole 713.

A rotor is positioned in a support structure which is made by aligning the top cover and the stator using guiding dowels which has an internal circular portion provided with an internal groove / track. The rotor is mounted on a rotor shaft extending diametrically across the circular portion with its ends received in the groove / track. A rotor retaining element (ring) is positioned in the grooves / circular tracks to rotate circumferentially. The ring has diametrically spaced notches in its inner periphery to receive the ends of the rotor shaft for maintaining them 180 degree apart.

Figure 5 and figure 6 provide high-speed spinning toy top according to one of the embodiments. This embodiment employs radial sliding mechanism. Figure 5 provides the rotor assembly 700 having plurality of magnet 701 with alternating poles arranged on rotor surface with rotor retaining element 702 and rotor shaft 703 passing through it. Stator assembly 705 is half circular ball like structure having multiple stator teeth 704 on inner side. Figure 5 also provides modified launcher assembly comprising a top cover 706 having hole 707 at bottom of bowl like structure. Top cover has guiding dowel 711 to fit into guiding dowel hole 712 on stator assembly and adjusting dowel 710 to hold rotor retaining element 702. The top cover and stator, each having a circular track, are aligned with the help of guiding dowels to form a support structure having an internal circular portion enclosing circular tracks (708, 709) to hold rotor retaining element.

Figure 6 provides the steps of operation of toy top employing radial slide out mechanism comprising application of torque and releasing rotor. High-Speed Spinning Toy Top employing gyroscopic effect

The construction of this toy top is almost similar to the High-Speed Spinning Toy Top employing field weakening by radial sliding mechanism with few changes i) rotor may or may not multiple numbers of permanent magnets on the rotor surface with alternating polarity;

ii) Stator may or may not have multiple number of stator teeth on the inner side where multiple number of copper coils are wounded to form electric propulsion system for rotor.

The second aspect provides method of operation of the toy top by increasing speed of toy top from a first speed preferably a base RPM to a second speed of higher RPM (desired speed) before or at the time of launch of rotor. Second speed higher than first speed can be achieved by various methods.

First method employs field weakening principle to achieve high spinning speed.

Second method does not employ field weakening principle but employs gyroscopic effect to achieve higher RPM (second speed) from a base RPM (first speed).

First method employing field weakening principle

There are multiple ways to achieve field weakening. One of the preferred ways is to axially pull out rotor assembly from stator assembly. Another preferred way is to slide out rotor radially from the stator assembly. Yet another way is to slide out stator assembly from rotor assembly either axially or radially.

In an axial slide out method, when maximum speed is achieved while pull out of the rotor, rotor is launched by completely sliding out of the motor. The increase in the speed of rotor is achieved by gradually pushing out rotor shaft from the stator assembly. The speed of the rotor is inversely proportional to strength of the magnetic field which depends on the rotor stator interactions. As stator rotor interactions reduce due to gradually taking away the rotor from the stator assembly, the magnetic field of the rotor is reduced thereby substantially increasing the speed of rotor. At this point, the launcher launches the rotor which spins at very high RPM and optionally generates an engaging sound. Another preferred way of sliding out rotor from the stator assembly is radial slide out. Field weakening is achieved by separating/guiding out stator assembly gradually form the top cover in direction perpendicular to the rotor shaft in a controlled manner to take away from the stator the rotating rotor which is still retained in the top cover with the help of the rotor retaining element to reduce the rotor stator interaction thereby causing field weakening and a corresponding increase in the speed of rotating rotor to arrive at desired second speed at which the rotor is radially slided out and is launched.

Second method does not employ field weakening principle but employs gyroscopic effect to achieve higher RPM from a base RPM. In this method, a rotor placed inside a support structure which is made by aligning the top cover and the stator using guiding dowels which has an internal circular portion provided with an internal groove / track. The rotor is mounted on a rotor shaft extending diametrically across the circular portion with its ends received in the groove / track. The tracks positioned on each side of the rotor shaft in such way that ends of the rotor shaft can engage and roll upon the surfaces of the tracks. A rotor retaining element (ring) is positioned in between the grooves / circular tracks to rotate circumferentially. The ring has diametrically spaced notches in its inner periphery to receive the ends of the rotor shaft for maintaining them 180 degree apart.

When rotor is made to rotate around its axis which is a spin axis and also about a second axis which is at right angles to such spin axis, such second axis and circular tracks are concentric to each other and ends of the rotor shaft get engaged and roll upon the surfaces of the circular tracks. This rolling of the rotor shaft over the circular tracks can be controlled by controlling the torque applied about the third axis which also control the speed of the rotor shaft spinning about the spin axis.

Then by applying a torque about a third axis at right angles to both the spin axis and the second axis, the rotor is caused to precess about the second axis in a direction which tends to bring the spin axis into coincidence with the third axis and also causes the direction of rotation of the rotor about the spin axis to be the same as the direction of the applied torque. This precession produces a gyroscopic torque about the third axis resisting the applied torque so that one end of the rotor shaft is pressed into contact with one of the tracks and the other end pressed into contact with the other tracks present on stator and top cover respectively. The precession of the rotor about the second axis is in a direction which causes the ends of the rotor shaft to roll on the surfaces of the tracks in a direction which increases the speed of rotation of the rotor about its spin axis to arrive at desired second speed at which the rotor is launched.

The torque applied about third axis changes the contact / interaction between rotor shaft and circular tracks which in turn changes the contact strength (friction) between them in a positive way so that contact strength increases (friction reduces). The rotor comes in contact with the circular tracks due to application of the torque about the third axis in a such a way that it makes rotor to roll over the circular tracks in direction of the rotation of the rotor about spin axis, this enhances the contact strength and increases the speed of rotation of rotor about spin axis. This enhanced speed is the second speed / desired speed at which the rotor is launched. By manually gyrating the axis of applied torque about the second axis in the same direction and at the same speed as the precession of the rotor about such axis, the opposite ends of the rotor shaft are continuously pressed against the opposite sides of the grooves / tracks by the opposing torques and the precession is continuous and causes the ends of the rotor shaft to roll on the sides of the grooves / tracks in a direction which increases the rate of spin of the rotor. A continuous accelerating torque is applied to the rotor about its spin axis due to such precession of the rotor and the rolling of the ends of the rotor shaft upon the tracks.

The first and second axis of rotor is like meshed gears and the relationship between the speeds of rotor along the two axes is like ratio of speeds of two gears which is inverse of ratio of circumference of the two gears.

In case of gyroscopic toy top, circumference of first axis is circumference of rotor shaft and circumference of second axis is circumference of circular tracks formed when stator and top cover are fitted together. Ratio of speeds of rotor along the two axes is inversely proportional to Ratio of circumference of the two axis which is ratio of either of rotor circumference to circular track circumference or vice versa.

If G1 is the circumference of rotor shaft and G2 is the circumference of the circular track and if Gs 1 is speed of Rotor along the first axis and Gs2 is speed of rotor along second axis,

G1 /G2 = Gs2/Gsl therefore, to calculate Gsl,

Gsl = Gs2 X G2/G1.

In a given embodiment, ratio of G2/G1 (circumference ratio) is constant and known. The torque applied along the third axis determines the speed of the rotor shaft along the second axis. By calculating the torque, speed of rotor along the second axis viz. Gs2 can be determined. Once Gs2, and ratio of G2/G1 are known, it is possible to calculate Gsl.

In an embodiment, G1 is 8 mm and G2 is 200 mm. Thus, G2/G1 is 25. Considering that the torque applied to the third axis produces speed of 500 RPM at second axis, then Gsl is 25 X 500 = 12,500 RPM.

Thus, for the above embodiment, the maximum achievable speed of the rotor is 12,500 RPM. By introducing slippage in the circumference, this speed can be modified.

In this gyroscopic toy embodiment by controlling contact between G1 and G2 we can control maximum achievable speed of the toy device.

This is analogues to the field weakening where second speed of the rotor is controlled by controlling the interaction of stator and rotor thus field strength of the toy top.

Table 1: Comparison of the two methods to achieve enhancement of speed from a base RPM (first speed) to a desired higher RPM (second speed)

Method of operating a High-Speed Electric Spinning Toy Top with axial sliding mechanism.

1. Rotor loading / reloading: First the rotor assembly is loaded into stator assembly by guiding rotor shaft through stator bearings until rotor reaches its final loading position where it is pulled, aligned and held due to magnetic force. Once the rotor is guided inside stator, the rotor is magnetically dragged inside in its final position. In this final position, rotor assembly is mechanically held by bearings and magnetically held by magnetic field of rotor magnets.

2. Stator energization and rotor’ s rotation: After rotor reloading, the stator coils are energized in controlled manner by motor power wires through a motor controller / an electronic control unit. Upon energization of stator coils, rotating magnetic field through multiple numbers of stator teeth is produced which imparts rotational speed to rotor assembly due to several permanent magnets of rotor. Thus, rotor rotates at constant RPM which is hereinafter referred as base RPM (first speed). Base RPM (first speed) can be known from the Kv rating of the motor.

3. Field weakening: The base RPM of rotor assembly is gradually increased by a technique known as“Field Weakening”. In this technique, a certain resistance can be introduced in the existing magnetic field to reduce the strength of the magnetic field. Strength of the magnetic field is dependent on the stator rotor interactions. When stator rotor interactions are reduced, magnetic field strength is also reduced. Rotor’s RPM is inversely proportional to magnetic field strength / intensity. Hence, as the field strength / intensity is reduced, rotor’s speed enhances significantly. Rotor is gradually taken away from the stator to bring in resistance in the magnetic field. For this, one or more of following ways are possible a) manual actuation mode, in which launch button is pressed gradually and manually; or

b) an electrical actuation mode, in which field weakening launcher is operated electrically; or

c) automatic actuated mode, in which launcher is triggered by a physical phenomenon.

Any of the above mentioned actuations presses launch shaft gradually which pushes rotor shaft gradually. Further rotor shaft is pushed to completely slide out axially from stator assembly present on launcher assembly. The pressing of launch button can be controlled to control / adjust speed / stator rotor interaction. Pressing of launch button can be continued till the desired RPM (second speed) is achieved. As the rotor assembly goes away from the stator, rotor speed starts building up. Launch button can be gradually pressed to build desired RPM (second speed) wherein rotor assembly slides away from stator resulting in building up higher and higher RPM.

4. Rotor launching: rotor launching is accomplished by pressing the launch button after rotating rotor has achieved desired second speed after field weakening. Method of operating a High-Speed Electric Spinning Toy Top with radial sliding mechanism

Electrically Powered Operation:

1. Rotor loading / reloading:

First the rotor assembly is loaded / reloaded into stator assembly by guiding rotor assembly into stator assembly until rotor retaining element reaches its final loading position and orientation to obtain rotor stator assembly. Once the rotor is loaded inside top cover, the rotor is held in its final position by adjustable dowel of top cover. Rotor assembly remains mechanically held by dowels on to the top cover. Once rotor is loaded on top cover properly, stator assembly is guided and fitted on the top cover to form a rather spherical structure which is a complete loaded structure;

or

First rotor assembly is loaded / reloaded into top cover until rotor retaining element reaches its final loading position and orientation to obtain rotor-top cover assembly. In the second step, rotor-top cover assembly is loaded inside top cover in such a way that rotor is held in its final position by adjustable dowel of top cover and stator assembly is guided and fitted on the top cover to form a spherical structure.

2. Stator energization and rotor’s rotation: After rotor loading / reloading, the stator coils are energized by motor power wires through an electronic controller / an electronic control unit or motor controller. Upon energization of stator coils, rotating magnetic field is produced through multiple numbers of stator teeth which imparts rotational speed to rotor assembly due to several permanent magnets present on rotor. Thus, rotor rotates at almost constant RPM which is hereinafter referred as base RPM. Base RPM can be known from the Kv rating of the motor.

3. Field weakening: The base RPM of rotor assembly is gradually increased by a technique known as“Field Weakening”. In this technique, a certain resistance can be introduced in the existing magnetic field to reduce the strength of the magnetic field. Strength of the magnetic field interaction is dependent on the stator rotor interactions. When stator rotor interactions are reduced, magnetic field strength is also reduced. Rotor’s RPM is inversely proportional to magnetic field strength / intensity. Hence, as the field strength / intensity is reduced, rotor’s speed enhances significantly. Stator is gradually taken away from the rotor to bring in resistance in the magnetic field.

Field weakening, is achieved by separating/guiding out stator assembly gradually form the top cover perpendicular to the rotor shaft in a controlled manner to take away rotor from the stator, the rotating rotor which is still retained in the top cover with the help of the rotor retaining element to reduce the rotor stator interaction thereby causing field weakening and a corresponding increase in the speed of rotating rotor to arrive at desired second speed.

4. Rotor launching: Rotor launching by pressing the adjustable dowel on top cover thus detaching connection of top cover and rotor’s retaining element; and thereby releasing rotor at the desired increased second speed and at desired location.

Each motor has a speed limit defined by its Kv rating. The field weakening is the process in which Kv rating of motor is changed to obtain higher speed / RPM than the physical limitation of the motor defined by Kv rating. One of the preferred embodiments of present invention includes axially slidable rotor or stator for controlling rotor-stator interaction. Another embodiment has radially movable (in the perpendicular direction with respect to rotor shaft) rotor or stator for controlling rotor-stator interaction., In this setup, either rotor magnets or stator core can move radially. This radial sliding movement is controlled either manually or by centrifugal force acting, due to rotation of motor.

For field weakening, sliding element in the motor can be either a rotor or a stator depending on the construction of motor to have desired effect of field weakening. Modification in selected motor should change slightly for the type of motor and according to the sliding element. Figure 3 provides operation of toy top of the present invention. The figure 3 a shows the position of rotor 104 with respect to launcher at the beginning of field weakening / launching process and figure 3b provides the position of rotor 104 with respect to launcher just before the launching of rotor out of the stator assembly 101. Method of operating a High-Speed Spinning Toy Top employing principle of gyroscopic effect

Other methods of increasing base RPM / speed to a second RPM / speed without field weakening include methods incorporating gyroscopic effect. Two such preferred methods include

i) Manual Hand Powered Operation; and

ii) Manual Hand Powered Operation with an electric start.

i) Manual Hand Powered Operation

1. Rotor loading / reloading: First the rotor assembly is loaded / reloaded into stator assembly by guiding rotor assembly into stator assembly until rotor retaining element reaches its final loading position and orientation to obtain rotor stator assembly. Once the rotor is loaded inside top cover, the rotor is held in its final position by adjustable dowel of top cover. Rotor assembly remains mechanically held by dowels on to the top cover. Once rotor is loaded on top cover properly, stator assembly is guided and fitted on the top cover to form a rather spherical structure also referred here as a support structure which is a complete loaded structure.

or

First rotor assembly is loaded / reloaded into top cover until rotor retaining element reaches its final loading position and orientation to obtain rotor-top cover assembly. In the second step, rotor-top cover assembly is loaded inside top cover in such a way that rotor is held in its final position by adjustable dowel of top cover and stator assembly is guided and fitted on the top cover to form a spherical structure. 2. Rotor’s rotation- Providing rotation to the rotor either by rolling rotor’s accessible portion from the top cover on the ground or any other surface; or alternatively by quickly pulling a string wound on the rotor,

3. Rotor’ s speeding up - Once rotor gains some speed and as long as it continues to spin, it will precess so that an end of its shaft travels in a horizontal circle when it is supported at a point which is laterally displaced from the centre of gravity of the device and in a vertical plane passing through the axis of the rotor.

Such arrangement where spinning toy top precess as mentioned above is hereinafter referred as gyroscopic toy top or a gyroscopic device.

In the gyroscopic device of the present invention, the rotor of the device can rotate in a support structure, not only about its spin axis, but also about a second axis at right angles to the spin axis. In addition, the structure providing the rotation about the second axis includes two circular tracks concentric with the second axis with one of the tracks positioned on each side of the ends of the rotor shaft so that these ends of the rotor shaft can engage and roll upon the surfaces of the tracks (Present on the edges of top cover and stator assembly fitting side). The tracks forms part of a support structure in the form of an annulus or a housing surrounding the gyroscopic rotor and such support structure also includes mechanism by which the ends of the shaft are maintained 180 degrees apart on the tracks.

Applying a torque about a third axis at right angles to both the spin axis and the second axis, the rotor is caused to precess about the second axis in a direction which tends to bring the spin axis into coincidence with the third axis and also causes the direction of rotation of the rotor about the spin axis to be the same as the direction of the applied torque.

A gyroscopic torque is produced about the third axis resisting the applied torque so that one end of the rotor shaft is pressed into contact with one of the tracks and the other end pressed into contact with the other tracks present on stator and top cover respectively. The precession of the rotor about the second axis is in a direction which causes the ends of the rotor shaft to roll on the surfaces of the tracks in a direction which increases the speed of rotation of the rotor about its spin axis.

By manually gyrating the axis of applied torque about the second axis in the same direction and the same speed as the precession of the rotor about such axis, a continuous accelerating torque is applied to the rotor about its spin axis due to such precession of the rotor and the rolling of the ends of the rotor shaft upon the tracks.

The opposing or resisting torque can be sensed by the user and he / she soon-leams to gyrate the supporting structure to keep the opposing torque at a substantially constant maximum value. This occurs when the axis of the applied torque is maintained substantially perpendicular to both the spin axis of the rotor and to the axis of precession of the rotor, and thus in direct opposition to the torque caused by precession of the gyroscopic rotor. Except for very small resisting torques due to the inertia of the rest mass of the device, the applied torque is, of course, exactly equal to the resisting torque produced by precession of the rotor. In any event, the operator / user soon learns to control the gyration of the support structure of the device in accordance with the resisting forces felt so that the rotor attains a high speed of rotation about its spin axis.

When the rotor gains high spinning speed, gyroscopic device becomes an active element when held in the hand (714). When the device is held lightly between the fingers kept at diametrically opposite points of the tracks of the support structure, the rotor will, however, usually stop precessing and the device becomes passive. Any attempt to hold the device rigidly in position by grasping it firmly with the hand will usually result in the application of torque about the third axis. This causes precession of the rotor producing a gyrating torque operating against the instinctive resistance to movement provided by the hand so that the rotor continues to precess and the device gyrates in the hand. When rotor tends to slow down, it can again be speeded up by the manual application of the gyrating torque as discussed.

Therefore, the invention provides a new gyroscopic device in which the rotor not only rotates about its spin axis but also rotates about a second axis at right angles to the spin axis, and wherein speed of rotating rotor is increased by applying a torque about a third axis perpendicular to both first (spin) and second axes to cause the rotor to precess about the second axis and then manually gyrating the axis of the applied torque about the second axis at a rate equal to the rate of precession of the rotor.

4. Rotor launching - After speeding up of the rotor in previous step, launching of rotor can be effected by holding top cover to where the rotor is attached. In a position where rotor shaft is perpendicular to the launching surface, and then by pressing the adjustable dowel on top cover thus detaching connection of top cover and rotor’s retaining element; and thereby releasing rotor at the desired increased second speed. ii) Manual Hand Powered Operation with an electric start

1. Rotor reloading is same as in Manual Hand Powered Operation.

2. Stator energization and rotor’s rotation: After rotor loading / reloading, the stator coils are energized by motor power wires through an electronic controller / an electronic control unit or motor controller. Upon energization of stator coils, rotating magnetic field is produced through multiple numbers of stator teeth which imparts rotational speed to rotor assembly due to several permanent magnets present on rotor. Thus, rotor rotates at almost constant RPM which is hereinafter referred as base RPM. Base RPM can be known from the Kv rating of the motor.

3. Rotor’ s speeding up - Once rotor gains some speed and as long as it continues to spin, it will precess. The further process is same as that described under 3 of Manual Hand Powered Operation.

4. Rotor launching - After successful rotor speed up in previous step, one can begin launching of rotor by holding top cover attached rotor in a position where rotor shaft is perpendicular with respect to the launching surface, and then by pressing the adjustable dowel on top cover thus detaching connection of top cover and rotor’ s retaining element; and thereby releasing rotor at the desired increased second speed.

Further functionalities of gyroscopic toy top or gyroscopic device are as follows:

1. Generation of energy while playing: When rotor of the gyroscopic embodiment rotates, it generates rotating magnetic field which is induced on stator coils. This induced energy from stator coil is then rectified using rectifier and filter and can be used for charging phone, powering a light source, etc.

Thus, the invention provides a method of generation of energy using a gyroscopic toy top while playing comprising following steps:

i) manually operating electric gyroscopic toy top causing rotation of rotor and generation of rotating magnetic field; and

ii) thereby inducing variable amount of energy on stator coils by use of field weakening; and thereafter

iii) using the energy for either charging of power source (batteries) inside the toy top or powering external electrical equipments.

2. Carrying out muscle exercise while playing: During manual operation of electric gyroscopic toy top, user will have to use their muscle energy to constantly increase the speed of rotor and to sustain the speed. When rotor is spinning at high speed it creates gyroscopic inertia which resist the motion of the rotor in multiple axis thereby multiple muscles of user body get exercised during the operation.

3. Adjustment of resistance possessed by rotor through use of variable energy regeneration: Due to addition of field weakening in the existing invention of gyroscopic toy embodiment one can easily adjust the resistance possessed by the rotor there by adjusting the rate of exercise where as in previous embodiments of the gyroscopic exercise device it was not possible to adjust exercise rate. By adjusting the exercise rate one can also adjust the energy generation rate of the device either mechanically by carrying out field weakening or electronically by variable energy regeneration carried out by electronic control unit.

Thus, the invention provides a method of carrying out muscle exercise using a gyroscopic toy top or while playing comprising following steps:

i) manually operating electric gyroscopic toy top by first providing energy to the toy top for causing rotor to rotate; and then

ii) causing desired field weakening by adjusting the distance between stator and rotor wherein variable resistance to muscle can be experienced and thereby variable level of exercise can be achieved as per user capacity when user makes an attempt to increase rotor speed which is resisted due to gyroscopic inertia generated due to high speed spinning rotor.

The third aspect offers a method of providing unique playing experience. This has been possible by providing various external attachments. The present invention provides various attractive external attachments along with High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. Alternatively, attachments can be provided along with to be assembled High-Speed Spinning Toy Top in kit. The attachments can provide change in or upgrade of the functionality of the High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. External attachments can be installed on to the appropriate part of spinning device with the help of quick sliding fit mechanism or using fasteners. The person skilled in the art can understand that integration of following attachment can be directly manufactured embodiment for achieving same result.

Following attachments are some of the attractive attachments provided.

1. Flying rotor attachment - This attachment is used only for high-speed spinning toy top employing field weakening by axial sliding. This attachment includes one or more propellers, which enables rotor to fly or run while spinning. This attachment can be installed on to the rotor shaft through use of matching quick release shaft coupling and this coupling can be simply fastened along with one or more propellers. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2 flying rotor attachment is 601. Upon pressing the launch button, the attachment can fly or run. This attachment makes the playing experience quite engaging for the user in an another embodiment of flying rotor attachment, to achieve high altitude flight, flying propeller blades are mounted on to the rotor shaft by detachable mechanism such as friction fit, and upon energization rotor rotates-flying propeller blades and upon further field weakening resulting in higher rpm’ s and higher thrust production from propellers and hence rotor shaft gets detached from propeller blades and flies away, in this arrangement rotor remains attached onto stator and only the propeller blades portion of the attachment detached and flies away.

Alternatively, flying rotor attachment can be supplied in a kit form along with other to be assembled pieces of the kit. This attachment can be used with toy top employing field weakening by radial sliding, but propellers cannot fly they can only rotate with rotor.

All other following attachments are compatible with high-speed spinning toy top having both modes of speed increment such as field weakening by axial or radial sliding and by using gyroscopic effect.

2. Flint attachment for sparks - This attachment includes ferrocerium coated housing cover to fit over rotor housing. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2, flint rotor attachment is 605. Alternatively, a manufactured embodiment of same can be used. Upon collision, this attachment produces bright sparks. A variety of other materials lanthanum, cerium, iron and small amounts of neodymium, praseodymium, and magnesium can be added with ferrocerium to modify the spark and processing characteristics to comply safety regulations.

Flint attachment can be supplied with the toy top. Alternatively, parts of / Flint attachment can be supplied in a kit form along with other to be assembled pieces of the kit.

3. String Attachment- This attachment includes Magnet connected to a string that can be used to lift the spinning rotor by magnetic contact thereby spinning the rotor in air when string is lifted up. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2 String attachment is 606. The string attachment can be supplied with the toy top. Alternatively, String attachment can be supplied in a kit form along with other to be assembled pieces of the kit.

4. Rotor housing attachment - This rotor housing attachment provides various looks / appearances and feel to the rotor assembly along with some utilities such as anti-collision utility. A rotor housing attachment having smooth surface finish can be installed over rotor housing. The rotor housing attachment can be supplied with the toy top. Alternatively, parts of / rotor housing attachment can be supplied in a kit form along with other to be assembled pieces of the kit. Yet alternatively, rotor housing attachment can be permanently attached / affixed on the rotor housing. Different variations of rotor housing attachments can be provided. 5. Electrically actuated field weakening launcher- Instead of or in addition to a manually operated field weakening launcher, an electrical actuation device / an electric actuator is provided for electrically controlled actuation or field weakening of rotor and launching of rotor. The electrical actuator preferably includes one or more of following actuating device,

i) a screw actuating device controlled by motor; or alternatively

ii) an actuation device comprising an electric coil acting as solenoid and a magnetic launch shaft together acting as an actuation device.

Such actuator device can be provided with a controlled energization to control a level of field weakening.

6. Wheel attachment and rolling wheel attachment - This attachment has a circular shaped wheel. Based on the material of the wheel, its durability and grip can be altered. Metal, rubber, plastic or any other material can be used for wheel construction. Rubber and plastic provide higher grip whereas metal provides higher durability. The wheel attachment can be attached to the rotor and held vertically for launch. Upon adding wheel attachment onto rotor, it forms a drivable wheel which can run on the ground if launched vertically. Wheel attachment is shown in figure 2 as 600.

Rolling wheel is attached concentrically to the rotor shaft using a quick fastener for quick fit adaption. It provides a rolling toy top. The rolling wheel is held perpendicular to the playing area /ground. Before launching, a rolling wheel is brought in base RPM for spinning. User can then start the process of field weakening by gradually pressing the launcher button and once the desired weakening rpms (second speed) are reached rotor shaft attached to rolling wheel attachment completely slides out from the stator.

7. Automatic launching attachment - This attachment includes Nitinol alloy spring which can be attached to inside or outside or at either end of the launch shaft to launch the rotor automatically. As stator coil is energized and rotor achieves rotational speed, friction between rotor shaft and launch shaft increases due to which heat is generated in a motor. Nitinol spring also heats up. It expands as programmed and pushes launch shaft and ultimately, rotor shaft slides axially outwards and rotor is launched.

Rotor can be reloaded by simply guiding rotor shaft inside stator. This causes compression of Nitinol spring. For actuation of Nitinol material, temperature control mechanism which can control temperature of Nitinol material is required. This mechanism removes heat from Nitinol material, and it can be active or passive. A device like cooling fan can achieve active cooling of nitinol material.

Nitinol alloys exhibit two unique properties, a shape memory effect (SME) and super-elasticity (SE; also called pseudo-elasticity, PE). Shape memory is the ability of nitinol to undergo deformation at one temperature, then recover its original, undeformed shape upon heating above its "transformation temperature". Super elasticity occurs at a narrow temperature range just above its transformation temperature. In this case, no heating is necessary to cause the undeformed shape to recover, and the material exhibits enormous elasticity, around 10-30 times that of ordinary metal. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2 nitinol memory alloy attachment is 607.

Figure 2 provides various external attachments of the toy top of the present invention some of which fit over existing spinning device mentioned in the invention for providing more functionality to the spinning toy device and some attachment for providing unique playing experience.

8. Launch pad / Launch ground attachment optionally with a rotor rpm detection - Launch pad /launch ground refers to the launching surface or closed wall surface such as stadium which serves at least two purposes such as providing an ideal launch surface with low / controlled friction and to limit playing area of spinning rotor. It may have a different variation of terrains and curves to edge to keep the action going. Optionally by adding an electronic system for rotor speed detection, user can analyse real time rpms of spinning rotor either on launch pad inbuilt display or through connected device such as smartphone device. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2 launch pad attachment is 602. 9. Challenge / Puzzle game attachments- A challenge game attachment includes several attachments to play with toy top of the present invention. It enhances, engagement level of a player. Each challenge game has a certain set of rules which should be followed. For example, in an embodiment, a puzzle game attachment includes a launchpad with multiple tracks with one or more false tracks. The goal is to reach from start point to finish point by tilting the launch pad while user is guiding spinning rotor to the finish line. Such challenges or puzzle games come with more engaging upgrades to excite young users.

Other challenge / puzzle game attachments include following:

i) Water floating attachment - This attachment includes a water floating base, to enable rotor to float on water while spinning. The challenge involves maintaining balance of rotor while floating on water.

ii) attacking blade style add-on - These attachments can be adopted to the rotor housing such as smooth rotor attachment for anti-collision, blade attachment for battle. Users can challenge each other for battles etc. In an embodiment, attachment as gears (603 & 604) can be used for battle.

10. Remote controlled base for guiding rotor- Attachment involves a remote- controlled base with drive wheels. When rotating toy top is launched on to the guiding surface of a remote-controlled base, user can guide the rotating toy top in any direction through a remote controller. Wherein remote controller may be any of the dedicated device, smart phone, tablets provided with such means.

11. Centrifugally actuated rotor attachment - Centrifugally actuated rotor attachment involves spring loaded shapes of various designs which are connected to the rotor body. When rotor is spinning at high rpm these spring-loaded shapes move to the outward side of the rotor attachment due to centrifugal force acting on them. This centrifugal action creates expanding designs or blades when rotor is spinning at high RPM. When rotor speed is diminished the spring-loaded shapes comes back into its original place. 12. Projection Attachment- In Projection attachment, a diode such as one or more laser diodes are attached to the rotor, upon energization of the attachment, it can produce visually appealing shapes or projection onto the ground surface. Using multiple of such laser diodes or LEDs it is possible to create persistence of vision effect to produce more complex shapes, text, designs in various colours etc. The shape may additionally have different projection styles such as, chasing or following, rotating or stable.

13. Wireless utility attachment- Wireless utility attachment it has unique construction which offers wireless communication with a dedicated device, personal computing equipment, launcher or with another rotor or launcher device etc. construction of this attachment involves use of wireless technology such as Bluetooth, NFC , Wi-Fi, or infrared communication through which rotor or launcher can communicate with any other computing devices, for same purpose. When this wireless utility attachment is installed on rotor, it may use electronic circuit and internal battery to run functionality such as data storage, data capture, data transmission, light emission, sound generation, powering onboard electronic, sensors etc. Alternatively, energy supply to the rotor attachment can be provided with the help of photovoltaic solar panels to harness energy of sunlight. In the areas where natural sunlight is absent, launcher assembly or dedicated device can implement wireless light energy transmission diode to satisfy the power need for operations of rotor. The same wireless light energy transceiver apparatus can be used to send/ receive data or energy between connected devices, it is preferred to use infrared light wavelength for energy and data communication with dedicated device and the toy device. An advantage of using light energy /data transceiver is that required energy can be transmitted over longer distance in very low-cost setup. The person skilled in the art can understand that light energy transmission along with any other wireless data transmission technology like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC can be implemented. In yet another embodiment use of NFC circuit on the rotor is implemented for data storage / data communication and data can be transmitted wirelessly to the host device by using host device power. 14. Rotor /stator upgrades for more mass, more speed - Upgrades to the stator or rotor can be done in order to achieve more speed, more torque or unique characteristics to the toy top. This upgrade can be implemented by replacing a rotor or replacing a stator with a new one with upgraded ratings, upgrade can also be introduced by modifying existing stator or rotor. It can be understood that motor parameters such as speed or torque is dependent upon the strength of magnets, number of magnets on rotor, number of stator teeth etc. These parameters can affect the Kv ratings (No of RPM/Volts) of the motor thereby these upgrades can provide change in speed, torque and other motor parameters. It is also possible to upgrade a power source voltage that can offer upgrades to the speed of rotation on this device. The most important feature of this upgrade is that user can quickly switch parts like rotors number of times in a very short duration and without the need of any complex tools.

The method of providing unique playing experience is further enhanced by providing other facilities such as for example by software integration which enables user to connect with personal computing equipment such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, PC, etc. before or after or even while playing. With personal computing equipment, user can see history of other users and can invite other users to play. Individual achievements are recorded, and results of battles are displayed. In an embodiment, a dedicated display device having a corresponding app or software code is provided. Players can register into the app and unique identification code is created for each player. Players can take part in online data ranking for leader board. Multiple criteria are set for determining ranking, some of which are as follows: a. Maximum RPM achieved by spinning toy top;

b. Number of collisions survived;

c. Number of victories or defeats in battles;

d. Time over which continuous spinning is extended

e. Number of launches;

f. Time duration of launching and maximum or minimum launching power used. The respective data is collected and ranking of all online users is done. This makes playing quite engaging.

A method of providing unique playing experience to a player of toy top comprising establishing any one or more following connections.

i) toy top and / or spinning rotor and launcher;

ii) toy top and / or spinning rotor and another toy top and / or spinning rotor;

iii) toy top and / or spinning rotor and another launcher;

iv) toy top and / or spinning rotor and personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device;

v) launcher and personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device;

vi) one personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device with another device;

vii) pairing toy top with personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device;

to carry out any one or more following actions

a) to view and / or analyse performance of a player;

b) to invite one or more players to participate;

Several miscellaneous add-ons are provided. This add-on includes possibility of an ecosystem of products. It includes a wide variety of upgrades to High-Speed Spinning Toy Top to unleash more features or perks or possibilities to the device.

Some more features are incorporated to make playing experience more engaging. These include

1. Auto reload detection - When player reloads the rotor into the stator assembly, due to induced voltage signal in stator coils, electronic control unit can detect successful reloading and within designed time frame stator assembly is powered enabling player to launch the Rotor again.

Rhythmic movement of rotor - Rhythmic movements of rotor are produced with the help of controller. Combination of commands motor start, motor stop and delay within a finite or infinite loop will create different patterns for linear/nonlinear speed increment.

The way that motor acquires speed over the time are called as the rhythm of acquiring motor speed, and it can be changed into various styles like direct speed up (0-100% speed in shortest time) Linear speed up (0-100% speed gradually increasing over time) , and setting any other Programmable rhythm is possible.

2. Auto release detection automatically off - After player launches the rotor assembly, electronic control unit / motor controller can detect induced back emf on stator coils and over designed time frame, stator assembly is de-energized. This feature saves power.

3. Display of real time RPM and setting up of RPM - Player can check real time RPM on the display of connected personal equipment. The real time RPM at the time of launch or after launch can be displayed which adds to more engaging experience for the player. To detect rotor’s RPM just at the time of launch, various methods can be employed. In an embodiment, stator coil acts as a sensor to detect this RPM. In yet another embodiment, electronic control unit 402 / motor controller can detect driving frequency of rotor. To measure rotor’s RPM after launch, an external magnetic rpm sensing element can be used. Such external magnetic rpm sensing element is incorporated in launchpad. In an embodiment, such magnetic rpm sensing element is a hall effect sensor. In another embodiment pick up coil can be used as rpm sensing element. In yet another embodiment use of light emission source like laser to detect rpm of rotor by using similar principle used in tachometer.

Further, player can set the desired RPM (second speed) of launching through personal computing equipment. Once the desired RPM (second speed) is set, the electronic control unit / or motor controller controls power supply to stator coil to launch the rotor at the desired set speed (second speed). It is also possible to set direction of launch either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Multiple players can take part in the same game by setting desired RPM (second speed) and direction of rotor at the time of launch. Players can have more engaging experience due to higher accuracy and defined rules. 4. Synchronized release of rotors - Multiple players can enjoy simultaneous synchronous launch of their rotors. By activating synchronized release function on a launcher through use of wireless connection between multiple launchers, multiple users can initiate software-controlled launching of rotors. This feature is highly enjoyable in battles etc. The skill of the player will be the only determining factor to win the game. This skill includes choosing appropriately advanced setup with equipped attachments by user. This skill is very important as this is the only variable parameter user can take advantage of.

5. Sound modulation - Producing more engaging sound before / after / while playing is achieved by supplying modulated energy to stator coil which along with rotor magnets act as a speaker. Even when rotor is detached from the stator, a low level of sound can be heard due to residual magnetism present on stator. External speaker can also be employed for achieving same feature.

6. Tap detection feature - This feature is introduced as alternative to external control input device on the launcher. By tapping or knocking rotor assembly, changing magnetic field is produced by rotor magnets. Stator coil picks up the signal for activation of various other features by means of electronic controller. In an embodiment, single tapping causes production of more engaging sound; with double tapping, stator is powered to launch rotor and three times tapping sets the direction of rotor.

The fourth aspect provides a method for production of toy top as well as large scale manufacturing of toy top.

The method of production of toy top can be followed in two ways.

1. Manufacturing a toy top from components already existing in same or different form. For example, if components are available in desired form, they can be assembled but if they are not available in desired form, they can be modified and converted into the desired form.

2. Manufacturing of each component from basic raw materials and assembling components further; For production of toy top of the present invention, corresponding motor assembly i.e. rotor and stator assemblies are manufactured, or they are converted / modified from one form into desired form. Launcher assembly may not be available in market so it may require fabrication process such as moulding, forming, casting, machining by the manufacturer and will be provided to user either in kit or final product form. Further, alternative to manufacturing of launcher assembly is a conversion process, by using prefabricated body of other product having location of holes drilled by manufacturer and provided to user either in kit or final product form.

The large-scale manufacturing can be achieved if availability of components / raw materials is good. Hence, large scale manufacturing of High-Speed Spinning Toy Top can be effected from conventionally available parts. For example, motor of toy top can be produced from out-runner motor. Such out-runner motors are produced in plenty. The invention covers a method to convert out-runner motor into a motor of the toy top of the present invention. The out-runner motor is employed in several arts for various things. Thus, when the basic raw material / component is available in plenty and method of conversion is invented from such easily available components, faster and large-scale production is achieved.

The method of converting out-runner motor to the high-speed spinning toy top comprises following steps:

1. Selection of components;

2. Modification of components;

3. Assembling selected / modified components;

1. Selection of components comprises selection of

la. out-runner / in-runner motor;

lb. components of launcher assembly;

lc. electronic control unit / motor controller;

Ld. power source.

Following motors can be used / selected as raw material / components

lai. out-runner radial motor; laii. out-runner axial motor;

laiii. in-runner radial motor;

1.aiv. in-runner axial motor.

Depending on selection of motor, further modification procedure will vary. In an embodiment, out-runner axial motor is employed.

2. Modification of components

Modification of components comprises modification of out-runner motor. The axial movement of rotor shaft in the motor is restricted by presence of a shaft retaining element. Therefore, in the first step, this shaft retaining element is removed to enable rotor shaft to move axially and it is completely removed out of stator assembly. This movement is necessary for field weakening and launching.

Second step involves shifting available portion of rotor shaft to properly distribute availability of shaft for 1) tip contacting ground; and 2) backside of rotor shaft available for field weakening contact. This is done so that enough of motor shaft is available at top to contact launch shaft of launcher to achieve complete sliding and launching of rotor; and enough of motor shaft is also available at the bottom to contact ground surface for better spinning. This process can be done by loosening lock nut of rotor shaft to set appropriate shaft distribution on top and bottom side of rotor and refitting lock nut after that.

Alternatively, rotor shaft is removed and replaced by a new rotor shaft. External attachments also may influence decision to modify existing rotor shaft or replacing it with new rotor shaft.

If any other type of motor is used, modifications of components will change accordingly.

Modifications to the other components such as launcher body (300) is made in such a way that necessary fixture holes are drilled out to fit the launching mechanism, stator assembly, electronic control unit or motor controller and other necessary components to the launcher body (300).

3. Assembling components comprises following steps: 3a. securing previously modified motor to launcher assembly by fasteners or screws;

3b. doing necessary wire connection which involves connecting motor power wires to PCB of electronic control unit /motor controller using quick fit connectors or using matching connectors. Matching connectors or wires may have specific colour or numbering for ease of connection for user;

3c. installing internal rechargeable battery; or alternatively, connecting external power source through matching electrical connectors;

3d. fitting top cover of launcher assembly and installing launch button. Fitting can be a snap fit or using fasteners / screws;

3e. installing necessary software /firmware and establishing wired / wireless connection with personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device or simply pairing toy top with the device using Bluetooth low energy or near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency communication or any other similar technology to view and / or analyse performance of a player to invite one or more players to participate.

Further, player can opt for updates to receive latest updated information.

Instead of out-runner motor, in-runner motor can be used with some minor modifications such as dimensional and constructional changes in implementation of in-runner motor.

Compatibility of other motors for toy top - It is possible to fabricate toy top from any other motor which is capable of implementing field weakening with some constructional changes if required. For example, in an embodiment a brushed dc motor requires change in angle of split ring and commutators towards the sliding axis of rotor rather than rotation axis of rotor.

Arrangement of motor components (Stator & Rotor) in various ways - Motor components such as stator coil and rotor magnets can be arranged in various orientations to form spinning toy top mentioned in the invention. As shown in the figure 1 Spinning toy top has stator coils that are arranged in radial manner where multiple stator teeth are facing outwards and rotor magnets are similarly arranged in radial manner so that magnetic interaction between stator and rotor can occur. Different layout for orienting the same motor components is possible. An axial arrangement provides an axial stator windings and axial rotor magnets. It has an additional advantage in that stator coil can be formed onto printed circuit board with very low manufacturing cost.

Thus, invention does not restrict to any specific motor type to fabricate toy top of the present invention. Any motor capable of field weakening can be tried in addition to above mentioned motors.

Manufacturing of each component from basic raw materials and manufacturing of final products.

1. Selection of raw materials

Following raw materials can be used

Steel, aluminium, copper, alloys, plastics and other materials required for making parts of toy top stator, rotor, launcher etc.

2. Manufacturing of components

For manufacturing of electronic control unit/ motor controller circuit board, process of PCB manufacturing is used. The PCB stator can be manufactured through same process. Also, the conventional methods of manufacturing of stator or rotor or any other components can be followed.

For manufacturing of launcher assembly and its associated parts, processes such as injection moulding, plastic moulding, casting etc. can be used to create individual parts.

Manufacturing of motor components: stator manufacturing, stator coils are wounded either by coil winding machines or manually and rotor is fabricated by assembling rotor components through various processes.

3. Assembling components comprises following steps:

3a. Securing previously manufactured motor to launcher assembly by fasteners or screws; 3b. Doing necessary wire connection which involves connecting motor power wires to PCB of electronic control unit using quick fit connectors or using matching connectors. Matching connectors or wires may have specific colour or numbering for ease of connection

3c. Installing internal rechargeable battery; or alternatively, connecting external power source through matching electrical connectors;

3d. Fitting top cover of launcher assembly and installing launch button. Fitting can be a snap fit or using fasteners / screws;

3e. Installing necessary software / firmware and establishing wired / wireless connection with personal computing device such as laptop, smartphone or a dedicated device or simply pairing toy top with the device using Bluetooth low energy or near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency communication or any other similar technology Further player can opt for updates to receive latest updated information.

Fifth aspect provides kits for ease of assembling toy tops of the present invention and for assembling one or more of several attachments to produce different variants of toy top.

Kit comprises following components

1. Rotor assembly and stator assembly together forming Motor;

2. Launcher Assembly comprising one or more of following:

a. launch shaft - a metallic shaft with certain shape on both sides;

b. launch button - a specific shaped button to fit over launch shaft for user interface and control of field weakening and launching;

c. shaft retaining element - stopper element such as lock ring for launch shaft to retain its desired position;

d. launcher body- a plastic shell formed in specific shape, along with certain fixture points, holes for mounting of various components;

e. fasteners- screws, nuts, clips for fitting various components. 3. Electronic control unit / motor controller: It comprises a printed circuit board for controlled operation of components of toy. It may contain many sub circuits elements like processor, charger, sensors, transducers, buttons, display, LEDs.

4. Instruction manual which may be in audio form, video form or text based or any combinations of the same.

5. power source: rechargeable battery or disposable battery to power the components of toy device and optionally,

6. auxiliary power source: a dedicated power source to run and optionally recharge power source of toy device.

7. One or more attachments comprising

a) Flying rotor attachment;

b) Flint attachment for sparks;

c) String attachment;

d) Rotor housing attachment;

e) Electrically actuated field weakening launcher;

f) Wheel attachment and rolling wheel attachment;

g) Automatic launching attachment;

h) Launch pad / Launch ground attachment optionally with rotor rpm detection element;

i) Challenge / Puzzle game attachments enabling playing challenging games or puzzles or battles including one or more of maze game, water floating attachment and attacking blade style add-on;

j) Remote-controlled base for guiding rotor;

k) Centrifugally actuated rotor attachment;

l) Projection Attachment;

m) Wireless utility attachment for rotor and optionally for launcher and / or device for transfer of data and power and for communication between them; and n) Rotor / stator upgrades for more mass, more speed.

Kit assembler (assembling parts of ready to assemble materials to final product for use) - A kit assembler is a user who has purchased a kit from online or offline shops having components that are ready to be assembled to produce any version of the toy top. No special skill is required to assemble toy top from kit components, one may simply follow the steps provided in instruction manuals.

Kit assembler may select different kits or a kit from different versions of kits. Each kit can at least produce one version of toy top. All versions of kits differ in at least one aspect. Usually, different kits provide different upgrades or different attachments.

Process followed by a kit assembler comprises

1. Selection of kit; and 2. Assembling kit components which is similar to assembling components as explained earlier (steps 3a to 3e).

Figure 4 provides block diagram of High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. It has following components.

1. Power source 401;

2. Auxiliary power source 400;

3. Motor controller or electronic control unit 402;

4. Stator assembly 101;

5. Rotor assembly 100;

6. Launcher assembly;

7. Control input 408;

8. Status indicator 407; and optionally

9. External attachment(s) 406.

Power source (401) - This unit includes a rechargeable energy storage device such as batteries or set of disposable batteries to run the toy top. If the power source 401 is rechargeable, it can be charged using the power of auxiliary power source 400. This unit is internal power source of High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. Power source 401 or auxiliary power source 400 can both power high-speed toy top.

Auxiliary power source (400) - This unit accepts energy for charging and driving High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. This auxiliary power source may include external power from wall charger, Power Bank or any other external power source. Auxiliary power source also shows an application to power the High-Speed Spinning Toy Top directly using auxiliary power source or without using power from internal rechargeable energy device. This element exists externally with respect to the High-Speed Spinning Toy Top.

Motor controller or Electronic control unit (ECU) (402) - This unit represents all the control related system components for operation of High-Speed Spinning Toy Top. More specifically, ECU contains integrated circuits which execute its operation according to the logic in order to control power going to the stator assembly. To drive the stator assembly, specified sequence of electrical power is provided to stator via motor power wire 108 by electronic control unit 402.

Stator assembly (101) - Stator assembly contains multiple number of stator teeth 105 which are formed by stacking thin lamination core material onto which insulated copper coils are wounded with multiple number of turns on each of it's stator teeth 105 and connected in star or delta electrical configuration to form an electric propulsion source for the rotor.

Launcher assembly - Launcher assembly lies between stator assembly and rotor assembly. The role of the launcher assembly is to conduct field weakening of rotor for its speed increment and release / launch the rotor out from the stator assembly. Launcher assembly comprises of launch shaft 304, launch button 303, fixture holes 301, concentric hole 302, The concentric hole 302 is not visible in figure as it lies inside launcher body 300.

The launch button 303 serves purpose of sliding rotor assembly 100 out from the stator assembly 101. In figure 3, this sliding action is transferred onto rotor shaft 102 by launch shaft. In other embodiment where motor is mounted perpendicular to launcher assembly, number of joint mechanisms may be used so that push motion from user is transferred in axial sliding motion of rotor.

Figure 2 provides some of the attachments discussed which fit over existing spinning device mentioned in the invention for providing more functionality to the spinning toy device and for providing unique playing experience.

RPM Reading for Various Kv Motor- Table 2 provides RPM readings for various Kv motors, having three phase brushless DC out-runner motor construction, at an operation voltage of 12 volts as shown in figure 1. Upon energization of motor, base RPM is achieved which is a standard number of rotations per minute a motor is able to produce., The stable weakening RPM provides a maximum achievable field weakening RPM for that motor, where toy top can still operate stably. Further increasing the stable weakening rpm (second speed) is possible by following: i) controlling release of the rotor;

ii) enhancing cooling of stator; and

iii) increasing stator power handling capacity.

During stable weakening RPM tests, temperature of stator was controlled using ambient air flow supplied by cooling fan so that the temperature would not exceed 60 degree Celsius.

It is also possible to change the maximum achievable output speed of rotor by varying spawning time period of overall launching process mechanically, so that field weakening is controlled or alternatively by varying powering sequence of electric controller 400 electrically. Table 2 below provides Base RPM and maximum achievable second speed at a constant voltage supply of 12 Volts.

Table 2: RPMs for various Kv motors at an operating voltage of 12 volts