Assemblable Toy Circuit Module Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current children's electric circuit board games have pre-assembled modules, which increase production complexity and costs for manufacturers and limit children's educational and creative opportunities by not allowing them to assemble the modules themselves.

Innovation Solution

An assemblable module design featuring a hexagonal base with seats for conductive plates and a cover with through holes for electronic components, allowing users to connect and disconnect components easily, enabling them to build and rebuild electric circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electric modules are pre-assembled during production by means of soldering and other manufacturing processes, then the modules are ready for use, but the assembly complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric module is divided into separate components: a base with conductive elements, a cover with conductive tracks, and electronic components that can be independently assembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex soldering processes while maintaining functionality, as components connect through simple mechanical assembly of the base and cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If electric modules are pre-assembled during production, then manufacturers save assembly time, but children lose the opportunity to assemble modules themselves and develop creativity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoideducational value
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base and cover are pre-formed with integrated conductive elements and tracks during manufacturing, but the electronic components remain separate. This preliminary preparation allows rapid production while preserving the educational value, as children can easily attach components to the pre-prepared base-cover assembly and understand circuit connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conductive tracks are formed on the cover and conductive elements inside the base, then electrical connections are established, but damage to these conductive elements requires disposal of entire components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidrepairability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive elements are segmented into two separate locations: inside the base and on the cover. This segmentation allows the base and cover to function as separate replaceable units. If conductive elements on the cover are damaged, only the cover needs replacement, not the entire module, thereby improving repairability while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the module design allows disassembly and reassembly, then children can develop manual dexterity and creativity, but the connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeducational valueVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base and cover are designed to merge into a unified structure when assembled, with the cover fitting onto the base to create a stable enclosure. This merging provides mechanical stability and reliable electrical connections through the integrated conductive elements, while still allowing the assembly to be disassembled for educational purposes. The design balances reassembly capability with connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4109436B1Assemblable module for toy electric circuits
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 CLEMENTONI
  • EP4109436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4109436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Assemblable module (100) for children's games comprising a base (1), a cover (2) coupled with said base (1), two conductive plates (4) disposed between said base (1) and said cover (2), an electronic component (3) having electric contacts (30) that can be connected to the conductive plates (4), and two electric connectors (5) suitable for being electrically connected to said conductive plates (4); the peculiarity of the module (100) consist in that the conductive plates (4) are removably mounted on the base (1) and the electric connectors (5) are removably mounted on the cover (2).