Building Block Assembly Retention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular and interconnectible building blocks lack effective retention mechanisms for preventing sliding movement of additional blocks within assemblies, which limits their structural stability and versatility.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a building block assembly with a receptacle defined by bridging portions and connection means, featuring snap connectors and retention features like protrusions and indentations, to securely hold additional blocks in place, preventing axial sliding while allowing rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular building blocks are designed with connection means for interconnection, then versatility and reusability are improved, but structural stability and retention of additional blocks deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is divided into distinct functional portions: connection means for lateral interconnection and a separate receptacle with retention means for axial retention. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention means is nested within the receptacle structure, with the third building block received inside the receptacle defined by the bridging portions. This nesting provides stable retention while maintaining the modular external form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If building blocks are designed for easy interconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but retention mechanism effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interconnectionVSAvoidretention mechanism effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection function and retention function are segmented into separate structural elements: connection means on lateral surfaces for easy interconnection, and a receptacle with retention means for reliable axial retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle acts as an intermediary structure between the connection means and the third building block, providing a dedicated retention mechanism that does not interfere with the simplicity of the connection means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If building blocks lack retention mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and structural integrity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism is segmented as a distinct receptacle structure with retention means, separate from the main body and connection means. This allows the retention function to be added without complicating the fundamental building block design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle with retention means serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables retention of additional blocks, and maintains the modular form factor. This multi-functionality adds stability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This solution enhances the stability and versatility of building block assemblies by securely retaining blocks within the assembly, preventing sliding while allowing for rotational movement, thus improving structural integrity and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The first connection means and the second connection means are matched and compatible connection means in releasable mechanical snap engagement to form the assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical snap engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The retention means is to resist sliding movement of the third building block relative to the building block receptacle in an axial direction defined by the receptacle axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10857476B2Building block and building block assemblies

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 BODAK BLOCKS LTD

AI summary

A building block assembly comprising a first building block and a second building block which are in snap-fit engagement and which cooperate to define a building block receptacle for receiving and retaining a third building block, wherein the first building block comprises a first main body including two lateral portions and a bridging portion interconnecting the two lateral portions, wherein the two lateral portions and the first bridging portion cooperate to define a first partial receptacle having a first partial receptacle wall, and the two lateral portions cooperate to define a first connection surface on which a plurality of snap connectors is distributed; wherein the second building block comprises a second main body including two lateral portions and a bridging portion interconnecting the two lateral portions.