Card-like Structure and Connector Toy Building System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy building sets lack a simple and unique card-like structure and connector system that allows for versatile construction of miniature buildings and objects, particularly in both horizontal and vertical configurations, and are not compatible with existing Lego or similar bricks.
Innovation Solution
A toy building set comprising card-like structures and end cap connectors with slots in various configurations (bottom, top, side, or combination) that provide a mechanical connection, allowing for the construction of miniature objects, and are compatible with Lego bricks, including additional features like graphics and character figures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing toy building sets use traditional connecting mechanisms, then they provide basic building functionality, but they lack versatility in construction configurations and are not compatible with existing Lego bricks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector piece is designed with multiple slots arranged in different configurations (bottom, top, side, or combination) that can accommodate card-like structures in various orientations. This universal design allows the same connector to support horizontal, vertical, and angled constructions, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector piece is segmented into multiple independent slots that can be selectively used based on the desired construction configuration. Each slot is an independent feature that can receive a card-like structure, allowing flexible combination and arrangement to achieve various building configurations without increasing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If toy building sets use simple stacking elements, then they are easy to manufacture and operate, but they lack stable mechanical connection for versatile construction
Solution Approach 1:
The slot and card-like structure connection is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The card-like structure simply needs to be inserted into the slot, and the mechanical connection is automatically established through the geometry of the slot and card edges, providing stable connection without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If toy building sets use card-like structures with multiple slot configurations, then they enable versatile construction in horizontal and vertical orientations, but may increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slot configurations (bottom, top, side, and combination slots) are merged into a single integrated connector piece. This consolidation allows the connector to provide various slot arrangements without requiring multiple separate connector components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving construction orientation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a set of card-like structure and connector toys for building; the set comprising one or more card-like structures and one or more end cap connectors, wherein the one or more end cap connectors comprise one or more slots for inserting the card-like structures. Also provided herein is a connector toy or a kit of connector toys; comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures for building.