Construction Element Kit with Grooved Binding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction element toys are unable to form continuous, joint planar surfaces, as they either lack stable assembly mechanisms or are limited to forming only planar surfaces of limited size.
Innovation Solution
A kit of construction elements and rod-like binding elements, where the elements are square-based rectangles with grooves and the binding elements have ribs and notches for secure form-fitting or force-fitting connections, allowing for the formation of continuous planar surfaces by ensuring substantial contact along connecting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If construction elements are connected using surface-fitting without binding elements, then the assembly is simple to form, but the assembly is non-stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rod-like binding elements as intermediaries between construction elements. These binding elements fit into grooves on the construction elements and provide stable connection through form-fitting or force-fitting engagement with securing members, while maintaining ease of assembly through the groove-guided insertion process
2Stability of the object's composition
If construction elements are provided with integrated binding elements, then connection stability is improved, but only planar surfaces of limited size can be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the binding function into separate rod-like binding elements that can extend beyond individual construction elements. This segmentation allows multiple construction elements to be connected in continuous rows, forming large-scale planar surfaces while maintaining stable connections through the distributed binding elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If openings are formed on the surface of construction elements for receiving additional binding elements, then connection versatility is improved, but continuous joint planar surfaces cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs construction elements with multiple grooves that can accommodate various rod-like binding elements of different lengths. This universal groove design allows the same construction element to connect with different binding elements, providing connection versatility while enabling continuous planar surfaces through proper selection and arrangement of binding elements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2l
AI summary
The kit of construction elements includes a plurality of construction elements and a plurality of rod-like binding elements for connecting said construction elements, wherein the construction elements are in the form of square-based rectangles, and wherein on at least one of the faces of each construction element perpendicular to the base thereof at least one groove is formed in parallel to its base, and along at least one edge of each construction element a groove is formed for receiving a binding element, wherein each binding element is formed to fit into a groove along at least a part of its entire length and further provided with securing members formed to engage with complementary securing members of said groove by form-fitting or force-fitting, and wherein the grooves of the construction elements and the binding elements are sized so that during use the construction elements are substantially in contact along their connecting surfaces.