Construction Set Hub With Radial Coupler Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional construction sets, such as TinkerToy, lack versatility in structure types and fail to effectively restrict rotatory motion of struts or incorporate cords as structural components, limiting the complexity and stability of constructed models.
Innovation Solution
A construction set featuring hubs with radially arranged coupler prongs at various angles, capable of interlocking at right angles, and adapted to securely couple with tubular struts and cords, while inhibiting axial rotation, using a combination of central apertures, slots, and distal securing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional construction sets use simple cylindrical hubs with radial slots, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural versatility and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central aperture for strut insertion, radial slots for additional strut coupling, and circumferential grooves for cord attachment. This segmentation allows each zone to serve a specific structural purpose, enabling complex 3D configurations while maintaining simple assembly procedures for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it can couple struts axially through the central aperture, attach additional struts radially through circumferential slots, and secure cords through grooves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection elements, providing structural versatility without complicating the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If traditional construction sets allow free rotatory motion of struts, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub incorporates preliminary anti-rotation features: circumferential grooves that engage with ridges on struts or cords, and radial slots with asymmetric cross-sections that prevent 360-degree rotation. These features are built into the hub structure itself, automatically preventing rotatory motion upon assembly without requiring additional locking mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of assembly while ensuring structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If construction sets include various hub configurations with prongs at different angles, then structural versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub design employs asymmetric radial slots and circumferential grooves positioned at specific angles (e.g., 90 degrees apart) to create directional structural configurations. This asymmetry enables the construction of stable 3D frameworks with specific geometric properties while maintaining a relatively simple hub geometry that can be manufactured using standard molding or machining processes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If construction sets incorporate cord securing features, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cord securing function is merged with the existing hub structure by incorporating circumferential grooves that are integral to the hub body. These grooves serve dual purposes: they provide structural reinforcement to the hub and simultaneously act as retention features for cords. This integration eliminates the need for separate cord holders or attachment mechanisms, enhancing structural stability without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction set includes one or more hubs and a plurality of tubular struts. Some of the hubs include a central aperture to receive a length of a tubular strut. Some of the hubs include one or more strut coupler prongs arranged radially about the central aperture. Some of the hubs include a central slot adapted to receive a portion of another hub such that the connected hubs are secured at right angles relative to one another.