Building Block Posts With Elliptical Collars for Stable Snap-Lock Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building toys face limitations in structural stability and creative flexibility due to either weak or difficult separations of components, and lack of versatile, interchangeable flexible components in basic building sets.

Innovation Solution

A building block system with posts and grooves or elliptical collars that allow for stable, multi-directional connections and snap-fit or twist-lock engagements, incorporating flexible components for enhanced construction flexibility and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If components are designed for easy separation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of separationVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the collar to deform elastically during insertion and then maintain a stable locked position. The elastic collar can be compressed to insert posts but resists separation forces, providing both ease of assembly and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the collar changes from rigid to elastic during engagement, then returns to a stable locked state. The elastic properties allow temporary deformation during insertion while maintaining structural integrity during use, resolving the contradiction between ease of separation and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If components are designed for strong connection, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection system replaces traditional rigid interlocking with an elastic deformation mechanism. The elastic collar uses material elasticity rather than mechanical interference to achieve both strong connection and easy separation, allowing components to lock firmly yet be easily removed by deforming the collar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If building sets use uniform rigid components, then interchangeability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecreative flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic collar mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability, enables easy assembly and disassembly, and allows for various connection configurations. This single mechanism supports both rigid and flexible components, as well as multiple connection types (posts, slots, surfaces), increasing adaptability without requiring diverse component designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If basic building sets include only rigid components, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic collar acts as a flexible element that can be integrated into rigid building components. This flexible feature enables construction flexibility and adaptability while the collar itself can be manufactured using standard elastic materials and molding processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20250387720A1Engageable blocks with special features

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 OSMIUM LLC

AI summary

A building block toy system includes blocks having posts with elliptical collars or grooves and heads configured for versatile engagement. The posts extend from surfaces of the blocks and feature a bulbous head portion and either grooves or an elliptical collar with curved ends. These posts engage either post receiving holes in a base or other blocks, or slots in adjacent components. The post receiving holes may include ledges and expansion slots that facilitate snap-fit or twist-lock engagement with the posts. Slots in the blocks provide alternative engagement of a post via insertion and locking portions, optionally with engagement knobs that deform the elliptical collar during sliding engagement. An alternative post design engages the slot via a circular channel at the base of the post. The system allows stable, multi-directional connections between building blocks and bases, enhancing construction flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.