Conductive Toy Building Blocks With Spring-Loaded Stud Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block toys lack a simple and effective way to conduct electricity safely and flexibly, limiting their potential for creating complex circuits and educational experiences for children.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular, conductive toy building blocks with pressure-loaded conductive studs that allow for frictional interconnection and the creation of functional circuits, enabling users to build complex electronic circuits and teach electronics concepts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-conductive building blocks are used, then safety for children is ensured, but electrical conductivity and educational potential are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (spring-loaded plunger) between the conductive elements that acts as a safety mediator. The plunger only makes contact when properly pressed, preventing accidental short circuits while enabling intentional electrical connections for educational purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter dynamically through the spring-loaded mechanism. The conductive stud transitions from a non-conductive state (when not pressed) to a conductive state (when pressed), allowing the block to adapt its electrical properties based on usage conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed conductive connections are built into blocks, then electrical circuits can be created, but flexibility and user control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive connection functionality from the block structure itself and places it in a separate, removable stud component. This allows the electrical connection capability to be independently controlled and configured without complicating the basic block structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of electrical connections through the spring-loaded plunger mechanism. Users can dynamically enable or disable conductivity by pressing the stud, allowing flexible circuit configuration without permanent or fixed connections.
3Ease of operation
If conductive studs are made visible and accessible, then electrical connections can be made, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires preliminary action (pressing the stud) before electrical connection can occur. This preliminary mechanical action ensures intentional use and prevents accidental contact with conductive elements, maintaining safety while enabling ease of operation when properly used.
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 provides a safe and flexible system for children to build and understand electronic circuits, expanding their educational potential and enabling applications in robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Implementation Method 1
The plunger is biased towards being extended from the barrel by a spring
Implementation Method 2
The connector studs are located at evenly spaced positions in regular arrangements of rows and columns. Downward facing hollow cavities form the bottom of the blocks and they contain coupling members that are positioned to fall between the studs on the top of an underlying block which creates a friction connection to the studs
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically conducting toy building block comprising: a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of evenly spaced connector studs projecting from the top surface, and an internal cavity that is open to the bottom surface and is sized to accommodate the top surface of another block and frictionally engage the connector studs of said other block to enable multiple blocks to be connected. The connectors studs comprise electrically non-conductive studs and electrically conductive studs. The electrically conductive connector studs comprise a top portion having external dimensions matching the non-electrically conducting stud, and an elongate telescoping member that extends downward from the top portion into the cavity. The telescoping member comprises an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably received in the barrel, the plunger including a stop to prevent complete withdrawal of the plunger from the barrel, and the plunger being biased towards being extended from the barrel. The telescoping member having a length that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, a bottom of the plunger is within the cavity proximate the bottom surface, and when the block is connected to the top surface of another block, one connector stud on that block contacts the bottom of the plunger and urges the plunger inward.