Educational Coin Model With Interlocking Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing educational tools, such as two-dimensional flat coin models, are ineffective in teaching children the monetary values of coins as they tend to slide and lack practical representation of coin values.
Innovation Solution
A set of bases with recesses and inserts, where each insert represents a different U.S. coin value, is provided, allowing children to visually understand and manipulate coin values by covering corresponding recesses on the bases, preventing sliding and rotation through protrusions that mesh with the recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional flat coin models are used for teaching, then the apparatus is simple and easy to manufacture, but the models tend to slide and lack stability during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat coin models to three-dimensional coin models with protrusions that fit into recesses on the base. This dimensional change provides vertical engagement (protrusion into recess) in addition to horizontal placement, eliminating sliding while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through simple geometric forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The base with recesses acts as an intermediary structure between the coin models and the teaching surface. The recesses provide anchoring points for the protrusions, creating a stable interface that prevents sliding while allowing easy insertion and removal of coin models for educational manipulation.
2Device complexity
If two-dimensional flat coin models are used, then the device complexity is low, but the models lack practical representation of coin values
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the third dimension of protrusions and recesses, the patent creates tangible, manipulable coin models that better represent actual coins. The vertical engagement mechanism mimics the physical interaction of handling real coins, enhancing educational value without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the coin models by adding protrusions and corresponding recesses. This parameter change transforms flat representations into three-dimensional objects with specific physical characteristics that better simulate real coins, improving the reliability of value representation while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If protrusions are added to prevent sliding, then the stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coin model into two functional segments: the protrusion on the coin model itself and the corresponding recess on the base. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled through straightforward insertion, achieving stability without complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion-recess mechanism adds vertical dimensionality to the interaction between coin models and the base. This simple three-dimensional feature provides mechanical interlocking that prevents sliding, achieving enhanced stability through minimal structural addition rather than complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and/or system for teaching the value of monetary coins including first, second, third, and fourth bases, each having a plurality of recesses, and first, second, third and fourth inserts, each having at least one protrusion for inserting into a corresponding recess of one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth bases. The first, second, third, and fourth bases may be provided in one kit or as part of one overall apparatus, wherein the first base has only one hundred recesses, the second base has only twenty-five recesses, the third base has only ten recesses, and the fourth base has only five recesses. The first, second, third, and fourth inserts may be configured to cover twenty-five, ten, five, and one recesses, respectively to represent twenty five cents, ten cents, five cents, and one cent of a U.S. dollar.