Building Block Splicing Structure with Protrusions and Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building blocks have a limited connecting mode, leading to a lack of interest and creativity in children's play, as they only allow for simple arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of building blocks with various connecting surfaces featuring protrusions and grooves, allowing for multiple connection types and structures, such as regular hexahedral, equilateral triangular prism, and other shapes, enabling diverse and complex constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building blocks use a single connecting mode with simple arrangement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the creativity and interest for children is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building block surface is segmented into multiple types of connecting surfaces (first connecting surface with protrusions and grooves, second connecting surface with only grooves, third connecting surface with only protrusions). This segmentation allows different connecting modes on different surfaces, increasing versatility while keeping each individual surface relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The building blocks are designed with multi-functional connecting surfaces that can connect to different types of blocks (regular hexahedral, equilateral triangular prism, etc.) through various connecting modes. The protrusions and grooves serve multiple purposes: connecting adjacent blocks, connecting opposite blocks, and enabling different spatial arrangements, thus achieving universality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building blocks have multiple connecting surfaces with protrusions and grooves, then creativity and connection options are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting surfaces are segmented into distinct functional zones (protrusion areas, groove areas, through hole areas) on different faces of the building block. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce standardized components that can be systematically assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the variety of connection options.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surfaces of the building block have different local qualities: the first connecting surface has both protrusions and grooves for versatile connection, while the second and third surfaces have specialized features for specific connection modes. This local differentiation optimizes each surface for its intended function while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building block and connecting structures thereof. A surface of the building block is a first connecting surface (1), and the rest of the surfaces of the building block are second connecting surfaces (2). The first connecting surface (1) is provided with protrusions (12) and grooves (11). The second connecting surface (2) is provided with grooves (11). The protrusion (12) can be connected to the grooves (11) on the first connecting surface (1) and the second connecting surface. Based on the above-mentioned structure and extensions thereof, the building block can be divided into at least six types with different structures. The building block and the connecting structures thereof have wide application range, are easy to popularize and use, provide great entertainment, and appeal to children.