Connectable Block with Side Surface Recesses for 3D Spatial Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocks that connect to form three-dimensional shapes lack intellectual training and game elements due to simple connection structures, as they primarily feature protrusions on the top surface with no side surface features, limiting complex connection states and spatial recognition.
Innovation Solution
The design of regular hexahedral blocks with a single protrusion on at least one surface and recessed portions on side surfaces, allowing for various connection states and requiring a thought process for complex structure formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple protrusions are formed on the top surface of the block, then the block is easy to stack and connect, but the connection structure becomes simple and lacks intellectual training elements
Solution Approach 1:
The block surface is segmented into multiple faces (top, bottom, and four side surfaces), and protrusions/recessed portions are selectively distributed across these faces. This segmentation allows the block to have both simple individual connection points and complex overall connection structures when multiple blocks are assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features are extended from the traditional top-bottom dimension to include side surfaces in three-dimensional space. By forming protrusions and recessed portions on multiple faces of the hexahedron, the block enables spatial connection in multiple directions, increasing connection structure complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If protrusions and recessed portions are only formed on the top and bottom surfaces, then the block structure remains simple, but various connection states cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Connection features are added to side surfaces, extending the connection capability from vertical (top-bottom) to horizontal dimensions. This allows blocks to connect in multiple orientations and creates diverse three-dimensional structures while keeping each individual block structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each block face can serve multiple functions: top and bottom surfaces provide primary stacking capability, while side surfaces enable lateral connections and directional assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single simple block design to achieve various connection states when assembled with other blocks.
3Device complexity
If multiple protrusions are formed on the top surface or one protrusion at the center, then the connection structure remains simple, but complex connection structures requiring thought process cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The block design uses asymmetric distribution of protrusions and recessed portions on different faces. This asymmetry creates non-trivial connection problems that require spatial reasoning, as blocks must be oriented and connected in specific ways to achieve stable structures, providing intellectual training while maintaining simple individual block geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing connection features across multiple three-dimensional faces rather than concentrating them on the top surface, the block requires users to think spatially about orientation and connection in 3D space, enhancing intellectual training while keeping each block's individual structure simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Object] To provide a block having a simple shape by itself with which various three-dimensional structures can be obtained by devising connection states. [Solution Means] The invention is directed to a regular hexahedral block connectable with at least another block by fitting a protrusion provided on a surface of one of the blocks into a recessed portion provided in a surface of the other block, in which one protrusion having a square cross-sectional shape is formed at the center in one quarter section of a surface of the regular hexahedron, and in which a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fittable is formed at the center in each of two to four quarter sections of any other three surfaces of the regular hexahedron.