Pull-string switch

Pull-string switch for Toy Story talking doll.

A wire goes to each side of the pulley.
A metal piece goes from one side to the other, but is held down by the string until the last loop.
When not held down it contacts another metal piece on the opposite side from which it is connected.
The piece that goes across pushes the piece it contacts, pushing it so the other end of it pivots away from the wired connection on that side.
As the string is released the pivot moves back along with the pulley-crossing piece.
When the pivot connects with the wired connection it momentarily touches both the pulley piece and the wired connection, completing the circuit for a split second.

Cool, eh?

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• pull-string
• talking-doll
• pullstring
• switch
• electronics

[Mitzuki33626]

What happens if have a pullstring doll which the string stuck all the way out? How do I fix it?

[PlainTrane]

@Mitzuki33626 - If you have a ToyStory pullstring doll, or one with a similar mechanism, a string that is stuck all the way out probably indicates that either something is bound up or broken inside the voicebox; or the spring has failed. In any case, you'd need to take the voicebox out to open it up, similar to what I described to 123linedude123 below. It's not easy though, and a bit destructive. I've never tried putting one back in. Another option could be to shoot some WD40 in the string hole.

[Mitzuki33626]

@PlainTrane Well i was trying to use this video as help, but my dolls voice mechanism looks really different.. He is from the 80s and has no battery holder?? I already took out the whole voice mechanism and only one think looks broken. I don't know what it is.. It almost looks like magnets.. And the little thingy was tangled up inside.. I think i might get i to work if i can fix or buy a new magent thing. Do you know what they're called or where to buy one? Thank you so much <3

[PlainTrane]

@Mitzuki33626 - I really haven't the slightest clue. :-) This video was all part of a halloween costume I engineered to turn me into a pull-string doll, and is the only pull-string exposure I've had. Your mention of not having batteries makes me think of the old plastic-strip voiceboxes, where a reed would vibrate across a grooved piece of plastic, similar to a vinyl record. Post a video if you can. I'd be glad to look and see if I have any guesses. Good luck!

[electronic4evr]

Guys asking for restoration on non-electronic pull-string dolls: This shown in the video belongs to a Toy Story Jessie doll, it is not what you will find in your toys!! Your toys have mechanical record player inside of them, whereas Toys Story toys and reproduction dolls have electronic components.

[Mitzuki33626]

@PlainTrane Thank you so much!!! I think it might be a plastic strip voicebox but i'm jist guessing XD Lol! I'll see if i can get a video up by today :) Thank you so so so so so much!!!!!

[PlainTrane]

@123linedude123 - Maybe. There are a few batteries in the voice box. It has been nearly three years now, but I seem to recall the toys having a velcro back so you can change the batteries. If the string broke, then it's hard to say if you could fix it non-destructively, since it took some cutting to get the voice box out, and I think the two halves of the box clamp around the base of the neck. If you could get the voice box out and back in, it would require a bit of sewing to finish.

[starmekitten]

Thanks for posting this. It may help me repair the voice box on my Sheriff Woody.