Chain Block Toy Partition with Open Groove for Rolling Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Children find it difficult to couple and decouple assembly blocks due to the need for forced coupling, and the vertical supports in existing chain block toys generate powder through abrasion when rotated, leading to reduced lifespan and hygiene issues.

Innovation Solution

The design features an assembly block with a partition between vertical supports that includes an open groove for minimizing friction, allowing the vertical supports to roll left and right, facilitating coupling and decoupling and preventing abrasion by reducing friction during rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the vertical supports are firmly supported by the partition to achieve tight coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as children cannot generate sufficient force for forced coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidease of coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is designed to dynamically change its support characteristics: during coupling, it provides firm support for tight engagement, while during rotation, it allows elastic deformation through the open groove to reduce friction and enable easy operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The open groove in the partition changes the mechanical parameters by allowing elastic deformation, which reduces the force required for operation while maintaining coupling strength through the flexible support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the vertical supports are firmly supported by the partition to achieve tight coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to powder generation from abrasion reducing lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition transitions from a rigid support structure to a flexible one during rotation, allowing elastic deformation that eliminates sliding friction and prevents wear-related failures, thereby improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The open groove replaces the traditional rigid sliding contact mechanism with an elastic rolling mechanism, substituting high-friction mechanical contact with low-friction elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the vertical supports are firmly supported by the partition, then the stability is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to powder generation from abrasion causing hygiene problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidabrasion powder

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The partition allows elastic deformation during rotation, transforming the static friction-based contact into a dynamic rolling contact that does not generate abrasive powder, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The open groove converts the potentially harmful rigid contact that causes abrasion into a beneficial elastic deformation mechanism that prevents wear and eliminates powder generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design enables easy manipulation of coupling and decoupling by children, reduces friction, and prevents powder generation from abrasion, ensuring safe and hygienic play.

Implementation Method 1

an open groove is formed in the partition for forming the female coupling parts, such that when coupling or decoupling the male coupling part, or rotating the male coupling part in a coupled state, the vertical supports of the female coupling part are rolled to left and right sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

which facilitates the coupling and decoupling and prevents abrasion by minimizing friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

an open groove is formed on left and right sides of the partition 15 for forming the coupling spaces 12 at the female coupling part 10, such that when coupling or decoupling the male coupling part 20, or rotating the male coupling part 20 in a coupled state, the female coupling part 10 is rolled to the right and left sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10478741B2Chain block toy facilitating connection and preventing abrasion by being elastically operated via left and right rolling

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 IRINGO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a chain block toy assembled by interconnecting multiple assembly blocks in a fitting manner by using a female coupling part and a male coupling part. In particular, in each of the assembly blocks provided with a plurality of female coupling parts defined by a partition, an open groove is formed in the partition for forming the plurality of female coupling parts such that, when coupling or decoupling a male coupling part or rotating same in a coupled state, vertical supports of the female coupling parts are rolled to the left and right sides, thereby facilitating the coupling and decoupling, while preventing abrasion by minimizing friction.