Ball-and-Socket Connector Blocks With Integrated Electrical Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block systems lack a versatile and efficient method for creating electrical connections between radially symmetric blocks, limiting their application in electronic devices and systems.
Innovation Solution
A ball and socket electrical connecting block system where each block features a radially symmetric design with a ball end and a socket end, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of electrical wires through the ball and socket joint, enabling flexible and variable compression for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional building block systems are used, then structural assembly is simple, but electrical connection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines structural block elements with electrical connection elements into a single integrated component. The block contains both mechanical joining features (protrusions and recesses) and electrical connection features (terminals and conductors) unified within one element, allowing simultaneous structural and electrical functionality without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The block element is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, mechanical connection, and electrical connection. By integrating these functions into a single universal block, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic element serves multiple purposes.
2Reliability
If electrical wires are extended through block bodies, then electrical connection is achieved, but ease of assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The block is segmented into distinct functional zones: structural connection zones with protrusions and recesses, and electrical connection zones with terminals. The electrical wires are routed through dedicated channels or pathways within the block, separating electrical conductor functions from mechanical joining functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radially symmetric block design is used, then versatility in configuration is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall block form maintains radial symmetry for configuration flexibility, the patent introduces asymmetric features within the block such as oriented protrusions, recesses, and terminal arrangements. These asymmetric elements provide specific connection orientations and interfaces while the outer radial symmetry maintains versatility. This combination allows manufacturing to focus precision on critical asymmetric interface features rather than the entire block geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connecting ball and socket block system in which two or more connecting blocks each include at one end a socket side for fitting on or about a ball end of an adjoining or neighboring connecting block with at least one electrical connecting wire extending through the body of said block and terminating in an electrical connection at either the ball or socket end. The block bodies themselves are radially symmetric.