Toy Building Block Chain Reaction Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toy building blocks lack a creative and easy way to disengage from each other, with existing mechanisms being either friction-based or simple trigger systems that do not facilitate a chain reaction trigger effect.
Innovation Solution
The development of toy building blocks with a chain reaction trigger system, comprising a body with a chamber module, tension module, hammer module, latching module, and releasing module, allowing for a cascading disengagement mechanism where one block's trigger activates the next, creating a sequenced release of all connected blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction-based coupling or simple trigger systems are used for toy building blocks, then the blocks can connect easily, but they lack a creative and easy way to disengage from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The block is divided into multiple functional modules: a body module, a trigger module with hammer and tension spring, a latching module with movable clips, and a chamber module. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve the chain reaction disengagement effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension spring is pre-loaded and the hammer is pre-positioned within the chamber, ready to strike. The latching clips are held in a locked position by default. When triggered, these pre-positioned elements automatically execute the disengagement sequence without requiring additional user actions, enabling quick sequential release of multiple blocks.
2Strength
If blocks are connected securely to form stable structures, then the structures are strong, but they take time to disassemble piece by piece
Solution Approach 1:
The block's trigger system is self-activating through chain reaction. When one block is triggered, its hammer strikes the next block's trigger mechanism, automatically initiating disengagement of subsequent blocks without requiring manual intervention for each piece. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces disassembly time while maintaining secure connection during play.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengagement occurs in a rapid sequential pattern through the chain reaction mechanism, with each block releasing in quick succession (100-250 milliseconds per block). This periodic, wave-like disengagement pattern allows secure structures to be quickly taken apart without requiring slow, piece-by-piece manual removal.
3Speed
If a chain reaction trigger system is implemented, then quick sequential disengagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each block contains a complete trigger system with hammer, tension spring, and latching clips that can both receive triggers from other blocks and initiate triggers to subsequent blocks. This multi-functionality allows any block in the structure to serve as a trigger point, simplifying the overall system design while enabling rapid sequential disengagement throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hammer, tension spring, and latching clips are all housed within the block's body chamber. The hammer moves along the chamber's axis and strikes outward to trigger adjacent blocks. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact unit, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining the chain reaction functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and sequential disengagement of blocks within 100-250 milliseconds, allowing for the creation of structures that can be easily assembled and disassembled in a creative and dynamic manner, enhancing play value and safety by ensuring blocks release away from sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
a tension module housed in the chamber module
Implementation Method 2
a hammer module housed in the chamber module and configured to be movable upon an axis of the chamber module, the released hammer module configured to trigger a second toy building block
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments are for a method, apparatus, and system for toy building blocks with chain reaction trigger. The blocks are configured to be coupled together in order to build structures with the blocks. The blocks house a trigger mechanism system that when triggered will then actively trigger the adjacent block's trigger mechanism system. Thus, the blocks will disconnect and/or break away from each other in a chain reaction or sequenced manner.