A flexible deformable magnetic attraction module based on pneumatic drive

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible deformable magnetic attraction module based on pneumatic driving, which comprises at least one connecting module and at least one deformable module. The connecting module comprises a first silica gel shell, a pair of first air vent adapters and a first air bag. The first function groove is formed in the first silica gel shell. The first air bag is arranged in the first silica gel shell. The pair of first air vent adapters are plugged into the two ends of the first silica gel shell. The pair of first air vent adapters are in communication with the first air bag. The deformable module comprises a second silica gel shell, a second air vent adapter, a closed adapter and a second air bag. The second function groove is formed in the second silica gel shell. The second air bag is arranged in the second silica gel shell. The second air vent adapter and the closed adapter are plugged into the two ends of the second silica gel shell. The second air vent adapter is in communication with the second air bag. The adapters are attracted to each other by magnetic attraction. The application expands the properties of materials and enriches the playing methods. Meanwhile, the application has safety and interactivity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of toy manufacturing applications, specifically to a flexible, deformable magnetic suction module based on pneumatic drive. Background Technology

[0002] Pneumatically driven flexible deformation was first researched and applied in the field of flexible robotics. Flexible materials possess inherent advantages, offering a soft touch that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Flexible materials with good airtightness, such as malleable plastics and elastomers, can deform when inflated. By studying the deformation mechanisms of these materials, a wide variety of deformations can be observed, including shape changes, texture changes, and mechanical movements. This deformability allows for interaction between humans and products or interfaces without directly embedding electronic components.

[0003] In traditional building block design, blocks can be categorized based on their playability into active blocks, interlocking blocks, assembly blocks, and stacking blocks. Active blocks contain a driving mechanism that allows them to move. The most common method of movement is mechanical, using gears, motors, conveyor belts, etc. Interlocking blocks are mostly made of plastic, and common types on the market include snowflake blocks, magnetic blocks, textured blocks, and plastic granule blocks.

[0004] Current building block modules are primarily made of rigid materials. While the production and manufacturing processes for hard plastics and wood are mature, they lack the warmth and flexibility of flexible materials. Furthermore, the mechanical actuation mechanisms involving gears, motors, and conveyor belts are unsuitable for young children, posing a risk of accidental swallowing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems that existing building block module motion driving methods are too mechanical, unsuitable for young children, and lack of safety, this invention provides a flexible, deformable magnetic suction module based on pneumatic drive.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, a flexible, deformable magnetic suction module based on pneumatic drive is provided, comprising:

[0007] At least one connecting module, the connecting module including a first silicone shell, a pair of first ventilation adapters and a first airbag, the first silicone shell having a first functional groove, the first airbag being disposed in the first silicone shell, the pair of first ventilation adapters being blocked at both ends of the first silicone shell, and both of the pair of first ventilation adapters being connected to the first airbag.

[0008] At least one deformable module, the deformable module including a second silicone shell, a second ventilation adapter, a sealing adapter and a second airbag, the second silicone shell having a second functional groove, the second airbag being disposed in the second silicone shell, the second ventilation adapter and the sealing adapter being respectively plugged at both ends of the second silicone shell, the second ventilation adapter being connected to the second airbag;

[0009] The first venting adapters of the two connected modules and the second venting adapter of the deformable module are connected by magnetic attraction.

[0010] Furthermore, the first functional groove is formed by opening several through cracks of a predetermined shape on the first silicone shell, so that the first silicone shell can undergo contraction / elongation, bending, or rotation under the action of the first airbag inflating.

[0011] Furthermore, the first ventilation adapter includes:

[0012] A first cap, the first cap having a first through hole in the center, the first through hole being connected to the first airbag;

[0013] A first magnet is embedded in the outer end of the first cap, and a first hole is formed in the first magnet, the first hole being connected to the first through hole; and

[0014] The first sealing ring is fixed to the outer end face of the first cap.

[0015] Furthermore, the second functional groove is formed by opening several through cracks of a predetermined shape on the second silicone shell, so that the second silicone shell can undergo shape changes such as curling, geometric deformation or Z-shaped deformation under the action of the second airbag inflation.

[0016] Furthermore, the second venting adapter includes:

[0017] The second cap has a second through hole in its center, and the second through hole is connected to the second airbag.

[0018] A second magnet is embedded in the outer end of the second cap, and a second hole is formed in the second magnet, which is connected to the second through hole; and

[0019] The second sealing ring is fixed to the outer end face of the second cap.

[0020] Furthermore, the sealed adapter includes:

[0021] Third cap plug;

[0022] A third magnet, which is embedded in the outer end of the third cap;

[0023] The third sealing ring is fixed to the outer end face of the third cap.

[0024] Furthermore, the first, second, and third caps are made of silicone material with a Shore A95 hardness, and their function is to connect other structures.

[0025] Furthermore, the first, second, and third magnets are made of neodymium iron boron magnets and have a central hole to allow gas to pass through.

[0026] Furthermore, the first and second sealing rings are made of silicone material with a Shore A30 hardness, which serves to ensure the airtightness of the connection between the two connected modules.

[0027] The first and second silicone shells are made of silicone material with a Shore A95 hardness.

[0028] The first and second airbags are made of latex and expand after being inflated.

[0029] Furthermore, different deformation effects can be produced by designing the length, spacing, slope, and arrangement of several of the aforementioned cracks.

[0030] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this application uses magnetic attraction to connect the connecting module and the deformable module, overcoming the problem of insufficient airtightness between modules. The structure is reasonable, expandable, and can create construction and deformation in three-dimensional space. Simultaneously, by exploring and designing the deformable effect of flexible materials, this invention uses air inflation to drive the deformation of modules and between modules, expanding the movement modes of the building block modules and enabling flexible, user-friendly movement that differs from mechanical movement.

[0031] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a pneumatically driven flexible deformable magnetic suction module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first ventilation adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the second ventilation adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a sealed adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This refers to the modular deformation space of the flexible material in this embodiment of the invention.

[0040] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0041] 1. Connecting module; 11. First silicone shell; 111. First functional slot; 12. First venting adapter; 121. First cap; 122. First magnet; 123. First sealing ring; 124. First through hole; 13. First airbag;

[0042] 2. Deformation module; 21. Second silicone shell; 211. Second functional slot; 22. Second ventilation adapter; 221. Second cap; 222. Second magnet; 223. Second sealing ring; 224. Second through hole; 23. Sealing adapter; 231. Third cap; 232. Third magnet; 233. Third sealing ring; 24. Second airbag. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0044] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0046] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a pneumatically driven flexible deformable magnetic suction module, which may include: at least one connecting module 1 and at least one deformable module 2. The connecting module 1 includes a first silicone shell 11, a pair of first ventilation adapters 12, and a first airbag 13. The first silicone shell 11 has a first functional groove 111. The first airbag 13 is disposed in the first silicone shell 11. The pair of first ventilation adapters 12 are plugged at both ends of the first silicone shell 11, and both of the pair of first ventilation adapters 12 are connected to the first airbag 13. The deformable module 2 includes a second silicone shell... The system includes a shell 21, a second ventilation adapter 22, a sealing adapter 23, and a second airbag 24. The second silicone shell 21 has a second functional groove 211. The second airbag 24 is disposed in the second silicone shell 21. The second ventilation adapter 22 and the sealing adapter 23 are respectively plugged at both ends of the second silicone shell 21. The second ventilation adapter 22 is connected to the second airbag 24. The first ventilation adapter 12 of the two connected modules 1 and the second ventilation adapter 22 of the deformable module 2 are connected by magnetic attraction.

[0047] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this application drives the deformation of the building block module by inflation. The functional groove design of the silicone shell restricts the deformation of the airbag under air pressure, expanding the movement mode of the building block module and enabling flexible and user-friendly movement that is different from mechanical movement. At the same time, the connection between the connecting module 1 and the deformation module 2 is achieved by using magnetic attraction, resulting in a reasonable structure with expandability, which can create construction and deformation in three-dimensional space.

[0048] The first functional groove 111 is a plurality of through slits of a predetermined shape opened on the first silicone shell 11. Under the action of the first airbag 13 being inflated, the first silicone shell 11 will undergo contraction / elongation or bending or rotation.

[0049] The second functional groove 211 is a plurality of through cracks of a predetermined shape opened on the second silicone shell 21. Under the action of the second airbag 24 being inflated, the second silicone shell 21 will undergo shape changes such as curling, geometric deformation or Z-shaped deformation.

[0050] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 The first venting adapter 12 includes: a first cap 121, a first magnet 122, and a first sealing ring 123. The first cap 121 has a first through hole 124 at its center, which communicates with the first airbag 13. The first magnet 122 is embedded in the outer end of the first cap 121 and has a first hole that communicates with the first through hole 124. The first sealing ring 123 is fixed to the outer end face of the first cap 121. The first sealing ring 123 is slightly higher than the end face of the first cap 121 and its function is to prevent gas leakage when connecting modules.

[0051] In one embodiment, reference Figure 5 The second venting adapter 22 includes: a second cap 221, a second magnet 222, and a second sealing ring 223. The second cap 221 has a second through hole 224 at its center, which communicates with the second airbag 24. The second magnet 222 is embedded in the outer end of the second cap 221 and has a second hole that communicates with the second through hole 224. The second sealing ring 223 is fixed to the outer end face of the second cap 221. The second sealing ring 223 is slightly higher than the end face of the second cap 221 and its function is to prevent gas leakage when connecting modules.

[0052] In one embodiment, reference Figure 6 The sealed adapter 23 includes: a third cap 231, a third magnet 232, and a third sealing ring 233. The third magnet 232 is embedded in the outer end of the third cap 231, and the third sealing ring 233 is fixed to the outer end face of the third cap 231.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first cap 121, the second cap 221 and the third cap 231 are made of silicone material with a Shore A95 hardness. Their function is to connect other structures, making the structure stable and easy to process and install.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first magnet 122, the second magnet 222, and the third magnet 232 are made of neodymium iron boron magnets. Because neodymium iron boron magnets have strong attraction and can withstand a certain air pressure, they ensure a tight connection between the modules without air leakage.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first sealing ring 123, the second sealing ring 223, and the third sealing ring 233 are made of silicone material with a Shore A30 hardness, which serves to ensure the airtightness of the connection between the two connected modules.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first silicone shell 11 and the second silicone shell 21 are made of silicone material with a Shore A95 hardness; because silicone material has a certain degree of softness, it brings a friendly and comfortable feeling to children.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first airbag 13 and the second airbag 24 are made of latex and expand after being inflated.

[0058] The first silicone shell 11, the first cap 121, and the first sealing ring 123 described above can be printed using a composite material 3D printer. The second silicone shell 21, the second cap 221, and the second sealing ring 223 can also be printed using a composite material 3D printer. The third cap 231 can be printed using a composite material 3D printer. However, these are not the only possibilities.

[0059] The first silicone shell 11 and the second silicone shell 21 each restrict the expansion of the first airbag 13 and the second airbag 24 inside. Different deformation effects are produced by designing the length, spacing, slope and arrangement of the channels.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the first venting adapter 12 connecting both ends of module 1 allows gas to pass between the modules; as Figure 3 As shown, the second venting adapter 22 at one end of the deformable module 2 is ventilated, while the sealing adapter 23 at the other end is sealed, allowing gas to pass through in one direction.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first magnet 122 and the second magnet 222 have holes at their centers. For example... Figure 6 No hole is left at the center of the third magnet 232.

[0062] The two connecting modules 1 and the connecting module 1 and the deformable module 2 are connected by magnetic attraction. The strong magnetic attraction ensures the airtightness of the connection between the two modules. A sealing ring is further provided to better ensure the airtightness of the connection between the modules.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, this is the deformation mechanism of a pneumatically driven flexible deformable magnetic module. Based on the deformation effect, the module is divided into a connecting module 1 and a deformation module 2.

[0064] a, b, and c represent connecting module 1, demonstrating actions such as contraction / extension, bending to one side, and rotation.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure a, the cracks (black stripes in the figure) are evenly distributed. After inflation, the airbag expands evenly along the cracks, and a small ball bulges out at the crack position. The entire round tube moves upward and produces a contraction effect. When the air chamber deflates, the entire round tube moves downward and produces an elongation effect.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown in b, the distances between the cracks (WB1 and WB2) are different. Arranged as shown in the figure, after inflation, the whole structure shifts towards the side with smaller crack distances.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown in c, the cracks are distributed obliquely. After inflation, the whole structure rotates by an angle, and the angle of rotation is related to the designed crack slope.

[0068] d, e, and f represent deformation module 2, which demonstrates the deformation effects of curling, geometric deformation, and Z-shaped deformation.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown in d, the cracks are evenly distributed horizontally, and the whole structure curls up after being inflated.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown in e, the cracks are evenly distributed in groups, and the length of the cracks in each group is different (LS1>LS2). After inflation, each inflection point bends at an angle, and the whole thing presents a geometric deformation effect.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown in f, the arrangement of cracks is similar to that in e, but the cracks are staggered between each group and symmetrically distributed along the diameter of the circular tube. After inflation, the whole structure exhibits a Z-shaped deformation.

[0072] Understandably, the multiple building block modules of the present invention can create a wide variety of transformations in three-dimensional space. At the same time, driving the modules by inflating them enables flexible and gentle movements that are different from mechanical movements.

[0073] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the claims.

[0074] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible deformable magnetic attraction module based on pneumatic drive, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of inflatable structure, including: At least one connection module, the connection module includes first silica gel shell, a pair of first ventilation adapter and first air bag, first function groove is opened on the first silica gel shell, the first air bag is arranged in the first silica gel shell, a pair of first ventilation adapter is plugged in the both ends of the first silica gel shell, a pair of first ventilation adapter is communicated with the first air bag; At least one deformation module, the deformation module includes second silica gel shell, second ventilation adapter, closed adapter and second air bag, second function groove is opened on the second silica gel shell, the second air bag is arranged in the second silica gel shell, the second ventilation adapter and closed adapter are respectively plugged in the both ends of the second silica gel shell, the second ventilation adapter is communicated with the second air bag; The first ventilation adapter of the two connection modules is connected, and the first ventilation adapter of the connection module and the second ventilation adapter of the deformation module are connected by magnetic attraction mode after being connected. The first function groove is a plurality of through cracks with a predetermined shape opened on the first silica gel shell, which is caused by the inflation of the first air bag to make the first silica gel shell shrink / lengthen or bend or rotate. The second function groove is a plurality of through cracks with a predetermined shape opened on the second silica gel shell, which is caused by the inflation of the second air bag to make the second silica gel shell curl, geometrically deform or Z-shaped deform.

2. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ventilation adapter includes: A first cap plug with a first through hole in the center, the first through hole is communicated with the first air bag; A first magnet embedded in the outer end of the first cap plug, the first magnet has a first hole, and the first hole is communicated with the first through hole; and A first sealing ring fixed on the outer end surface of the first cap plug.

3. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second ventilation adapter includes: A second cap plug with a second through hole in the center, the second through hole is communicated with the second air bag; A second magnet embedded in the outer end of the second cap plug, the second magnet has a second hole, and the second hole is communicated with the second through hole; and A second sealing ring fixed on the outer end surface of the second cap plug.

4. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closed adapter includes: A third cap plug; A third magnet embedded in the outer end of the third cap plug; A third sealing ring fixed on the outer end surface of the third cap plug.

5. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cap plug is made of silica gel material with a hardness of Shore A95, which serves to connect other structures.

6. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cap plug is made of silica gel material with a hardness of Shore A95, which serves to connect other structures.

7. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third cap plug is made of silica gel material with a hardness of Shore A95, which serves to connect other structures.

8. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first magnet is made of neodymium-iron-boron magnet with a hole in the center to allow gas to pass through.

9. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second magnet is made of neodymium-iron-boron magnet with a hole in the center to allow gas to pass through.

10. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third magnet is made of neodymium-iron-boron magnet with a hole in the center to allow gas to pass through.

11. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material of the first sealing ring is silica gel material with hardness of Shore A30, which can ensure the air tightness between the two connected modules.

12. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material of the second sealing ring is silica gel material with hardness of Shore A30, which can ensure the air tightness between the two connected modules.

13. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 4, characterized in that, The material of the third sealing ring is silica gel material with hardness of Shore A30, which can ensure the air tightness between the two connected modules.

14. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first and second silica gel shells is silica gel material with hardness of Shore A95; the material of the first and second air bags is latex, which can be inflated.

15. The flexible deformable magnetic module based on pneumatic drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, Different deformation effects can be generated by designing the length, spacing, slope and arrangement of the cracks.

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