Block System With Segmented Connective Protrusions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Blocks used for construction or toys often shift or rotate when not coupled, leading to instability in their arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates connective protrusions on each block side, including middle and lateral connective protrusions, which allow blocks to couple securely by engaging with corresponding protrusions on adjacent blocks, creating a stable block system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If blocks are stacked or disposed next to one another without coupling mechanisms, then the blocks are simple to manufacture and use, but the blocks shift, rotate, or stray from their desired arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The block is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion and a connective protrusion. The connective protrusion is further segmented into a middle connective protrusion and lateral connective protrusions, each serving specific coupling functions. This segmentation allows the block to maintain stability through specialized coupling elements while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The connective protrusions act as intermediary elements between blocks. The middle connective protrusion engages with corresponding protrusions on adjacent blocks to prevent shifting, while lateral connective protrusions prevent rotation. These intermediary features mediate the interaction between blocks to achieve stable arrangements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connective protrusions are added to blocks to prevent shifting and rotation, then arrangement stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The middle connective protrusion and lateral connective protrusions are merged into a single integrated block structure rather than being separate components. This combining of multiple coupling features into one monolithic block simplifies manufacturing processes compared to assembling separate coupling elements, while still providing comprehensive stability against shifting and rotation.
3Reliability
If multiple connective protrusions are included on each block side, then the blocks couple securely to prevent shifting and rotation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the block serve different coupling functions: the middle connective protrusion is positioned to primarily prevent shifting, while lateral connective protrusions are positioned to primarily prevent rotation. This local specialization of coupling functions allows each protrusion to be optimized for its specific purpose, improving overall coupling reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A block may comprise a base comprising a first block side comprising a first side plane and a connective protrusion coupled to the base and extending distally outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the first side plane. The connective protrusion may comprise a center pillar coupled to the base extending distally outward from the first side plane, a base portion coupled to the center pillar and the base and extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a first direction, and an overhang portion coupled to the center pillar extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a second direction opposite the first direction such that there is an overhang space between the first side plane and the overhang portion. The block may further comprise additional connective protrusions, and the connective protrusions of multiple blocks may enable the coupling of such blocks.