3D Tile Octagonal Socket Protrusion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional construction tiles, typically rectangular and with round notches and protrusions, face challenges such as limited structural stability, difficulty in creating angled structures, and complexity in assembly, which restricts user imagination and flexibility in shape creation.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional cube-shaped tile with octagonal sockets and protrusions allows for flexible assembly and disassembly, enabling structures to be built in multiple directions, including at 45° angles, using embossed inner cords and teeth for secure connections, and can be made from materials like ABS plastic or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If round notches and protrusions are used for connection, then assembly is simple, but structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection elements from round to octagonal shape. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain simplicity while significantly improving structural stability, as the octagonal geometry provides better mechanical interlocking and resistance to detachment under weight loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric features through the octagonal shape with specific tooth and groove configurations. The asymmetric design of teeth on protrusions engaging with grooves on sockets creates a mechanically stable connection that prevents detachment, resolving the contradiction between simple assembly and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rectangular tiles with vertical stacking are used, then assembly is straightforward, but development of arrays at an angle in space is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The octagonal socket and protrusion design provides universal connectivity in multiple directions. The same tile element can be connected vertically, horizontally, or at 45° angles using identical connection mechanisms, enabling versatile spatial array development while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional vertical stacking to three-dimensional spatial construction by enabling connections at multiple angles (0°, 45°, 90°). The octagonal geometry allows tiles to be assembled in various orientations, adding angular dimensionality to the construction capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different structural elements are provided for various construction needs, then construction versatility is improved, but device complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal octagonal tile design that can serve multiple construction functions. The same tile element with standardized octagonal sockets and protrusions can be used to create various structures and patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized element types and reducing user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile is segmented into standardized functional components (octagonal sockets and protrusions) that can be repeatedly combined. This segmentation into uniform modular units provides versatility through combination rather than through diversity of element types, reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional connection methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but structural stability under increased weight is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of connection elements from circular to octagonal cross-sections. This parameter change enhances connection strength and structural stability under weight loads while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized molding processes for the new geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection design combines multiple geometric features (octagonal outer shape, internal teeth, grooves) into a composite structural element. This composite geometry provides both manufacturing feasibility and enhanced mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacture and strong connection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a three-dimensional tile, of metal or plastic, having at least one face (1) with an octagonal socket (2) and another face (1) with an octagonal projection (3). Each tile is joined in this way with a similar tile, forming structures in space. The octagonal socket (2) has an inner embossed cord (7) miming along it to which a tooth (6) carried on the straight sections (4), which together with the corner sections (5) form the octagonal projection (3), attaches. The 3D tile can be used to create structures of both aesthetic and utility nature.