Block Assembly Plane-to-Plane Connection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional block assemblies experience loose connections due to point-to-point connections between the connecting knob and positioning piece, leading to easy detachment of blocks.
Innovation Solution
The block assembly features a box-shaped design with a connecting knob, positioning rails, and positioning pieces with arcuate shapes, along with a limit member, forming a plane-to-plane connection that securely clamps the connecting knob between the positioning piece and rails, and includes chamfered portions for easy insertion and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a point-to-point connection is used between the connecting knob and positioning piece, then the block assembly is simple in structure, but the connection is loose and blocks are easily detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-to-point connection (0D) to a plane-to-plane connection (2D) by introducing positioning rails with width. The connecting knob engages with both the positioning piece and the positioning rail, creating a surface contact that distributes the connection force across a larger area, thereby preventing loosening while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the connecting knob is inserted into the receiving space and clamped between the positioning piece and positioning rail, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into two separate components: the positioning piece and the positioning rail. The connecting knob interacts with both components independently, which allows each component to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances. This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirement compared to a single complex positioning mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If chamfered portions are added to the connecting knob, positioning rail, and positioning piece, then the ease of assembly is improved and user safety is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered portions are pre-formed on the connecting knob, positioning rail, and positioning piece during the manufacturing process. These chamfers act as guide features that automatically align the components during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. The preliminary formation of chamfers simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A block assembly includes at least two blocks detachably connected with each other. Each of the blocks includes a main body having a bottom provided with a receiving space, at least one connecting knob formed on a top of the main body, a plurality of positioning rails formed on a peripheral wall of the receiving space, and at least one positioning piece located in the receiving space. The positioning piece has a periphery provided with at least four arcuate positioning faces. Thus, when the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks is inserted between the positioning piece and the positioning rails of the second one of the blocks, one of the positioning faces of the positioning piece covers and presses the periphery of the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks.