CodeMash 2015
The Ohio State University, College of Engineering, Department of Engineering Education
How to Adapt a Toy!
Toy Adaptation Program (TAP)
1. Overview
5. Preliminary Testing
Take a look at the looping slideshow! In about 2
minutes, it explains why toys are developmentally
important, who uses the toys, and where the toys
go! Have any questions? Find someone on the
TAP team or email us at [email protected].
Use a test wire to find what two
points complete the circuit to activate
the function you’ve selected. Do not
attach the battery directly to anything
else in the circuit!
2. Team and Toy Selection
6. Check in with TAP team!
You and your team are at an essential point.
Before moving forward, check in with a
TAP team member!
Begin by finding a team. We recommend groups
of 2-3 people. Select a toy to adapt!
3. Toy Assessment
Carefully remove the toy from the box. Do not destroy
the box. When you are finished, you will return the toy
to the box making it look new. Examine how the toy is
activated (a button, remote, etc.) and what it does
(movement, lights, sound). Decide which function is
most appropriate for adaptation. Think about which
function the child will benefit the most from. This
function is the one that you will adapt. If the toy does
not activate, try new batteries.
4. Toy Disassembly
Take the necessary section of the toy apart to find
the circuitry controlling the selected function. This
typically includes unscrewing or seam ripping. Do
this carefully because you will need to put it back
together!
Email:
[email protected]
7. Wire Preparation
Acquire 1.5 feet of wire. On each
end, separate one inch of the wire.
Strip ¼ inch of insulation off each
wire on both ends.
8. Exit Plan
Make a game plan for how the
wire will exit the toy after it is
soldered. This may mean that you
need to make a hole in the toy.
Keep in mind, the points that
complete the circuit are the points to which you will
solder one end of your wire (Step 9). Remember that you
still want the original activation to work!
Learn more:
u.osu.edu/osutap
Donate:
go.osu.edu/osutap
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How to Adapt a Toy!
9. Wire Soldering
Solder one end of the wire to each of the two points
that complete the circuit. Use the soldering safety tips
posted by the soldering irons!
10. Wire Strain Reduction
Reduce strain on the wire by circling or tying it around
a sturdy component within the toy so that when used
often by the child, unnecessary strain is not put on the
wire. You may want to use zip ties or a glue gun to
secure the wire.
11. Wire Testing
While the toy is still open, touch the ends of the other
side of the wire together to complete the circuit. Does
the toy activate? If not, seek help from someone on the
TAP team!
12. Jack Preparation
Unscrew the jack. Thread the jack’s case onto the wire
as shown on the right.
13. Jack Soldering
Solder the other end of the wire (the end that is not
soldered to the toy) to the jack. One of these ends
should be soldered to one of the top leads (either is ok)
and the other to the lower lead. When you solder, be
sure to solder at an angle; that makes it possible to
reattach the case. When the joint is cool, reattach the
case onto the jack. See pictures for additional detail.
14. Jack Testing
While the toy is still open, plug a test switch into the
toy. Does the toy activate? If not, seek help from
someone on the TAP team!
15. Toy Adaptation Reassembly
Close the toy as carefully as possible noting how you
disassembled the toy initially. Remember that a child
will be using this, so there should be no sharp pieces or
rough edges exposed. Test the toy again with the test
switch. If it works, repackage it, making it look as new
as possible.
16. Check in with TAP team!
You and your team are almost done! Before leaving,
please check with a TAP team member to be sure
everything has been adapted correctly!
Email:
[email protected]
Learn more:
u.osu.edu/osutap
Donate:
go.osu.edu/osutap
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