Adaptive Tic Tac Toe Board with Cylindrical Peg Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with cognitive or motor disabilities face difficulties playing tic tac toe due to the small, flat shape of traditional game pieces, which are hard to grasp and require specific abilities to place correctly.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive tic tac toe board featuring large, cylindrical game pieces with cavities that fit over pegs, allowing for easier handling and placement, reducing the need for fine motor skills and enabling independent play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional flat game pieces are used, then the game board structure is simple, but individuals with cognitive or motor disabilities cannot grasp and place them independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by transforming the traditional flat game pieces into cylindrical shapes. The cylindrical shape provides a curved surface that is much easier to grasp with fingers, accommodating individuals with motor disabilities. This curvature change directly addresses the grasping difficulty while maintaining the functional identity of the game pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing traditional flat game pieces (X and O shapes) inside the cylindrical holders. The flat pieces are nested within the cylindrical structure, combining the simplicity of flat pieces with the ergonomic benefits of cylindrical shape. This allows users to grasp the outer cylindrical form while the inner flat piece maintains its identification function.
2Ease of operation
If small flat pieces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but pieces are difficult to handle and require significant assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the game piece into two separate components: the cylindrical holder and the flat game piece (X or O). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together. The cylindrical holder can be manufactured separately, and the flat pieces can be inserted into them, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired ergonomic benefits.
3Reliability
If traditional pieces are used, then the board design is simple, but pieces can be dropped and require specific abilities to place correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pegs as an intermediary element between the game board and the cylindrical game pieces. The pegs protrude from the board and fit into cavities at the base of the cylindrical holders, creating a secure mechanical connection. This intermediary structure prevents pieces from being accidentally dropped and guides proper placement, while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall board design.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved tic tac toe game is herein disclosed. The game pieces include X-pieces or O-pieces that are coupled to hollow cylinder pieces, resulting in large pieces that are shaped and sized to easily grip and operate. In use, these game pieces are placed over pegs the project upwardly from a game board base to play tic tac toe.