Construction Kit With Toothed Rim And Pivoting Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction kits lack versatility and stability while being economical to manufacture, and they often require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A construction kit comprising building blocks with face openings and connecting pieces featuring pivoting constituent elements, toothed rims, and elastic locking mechanisms, allowing for various static and dynamic configurations and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting pieces use simple insertion without teeth, then manufacturing is simpler and costs are lower, but stability and resistance to rotational forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece uses asymmetric tooth configurations on different wings, with teeth positioned at specific angles relative to the central body. This asymmetric design provides enhanced stability and resistance to rotational forces in specific directions while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The central body of the connecting piece features a curved, rounded geometry that complements the cubic building blocks. This curvature allows for easier insertion while the toothed wings provide mechanical interlocking, combining smooth engagement with stable locking.
2Ease of manufacture
If building blocks are made as single integrated pieces, then assembly is simpler, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is divided into a central body and multiple wings that can be molded separately or as integrated components. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each part while enabling simple assembly through insertion into pre-formed openings in the building blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting piece design serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection between blocks, enables rotational movement, offers stability through tooth engagement, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single standardized component design that can be used in various configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connecting pieces allow free rotation, then dynamic configurations are enabled, but stability and structural integrity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece allows controlled rotational movement between building blocks through the pivoting action of its wings. The teeth on the wings engage with corresponding features to permit rotation within specific ranges while maintaining structural stability, enabling dynamic reconfiguration without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in the orientation parameter of connected blocks while maintaining the connection strength. The toothed wings allow rotation to specific angular positions, changing the spatial configuration while preserving structural stability through mechanical interlocking.
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
The kit provides a polyvalent system capable of numerous static and dynamic configurations, ensuring stability and ease of assembly while maintaining economical manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The wings comprise a groove arranged between a shoulder and an abutment configured to abut the rim of the face opening to cause the constituent elements to pivot from an insertion position to a blocking position
Implementation Method 2
The corner connecting pieces may comprise elastic arms and a retaining shoulder at their free end to engage an inner edge of the corner opening
Implementation Method 3
The rim of the face opening is toothed and comprises eight teeth or more distributed over the periphery of the opening. At least some of the face connecting pieces comprise teeth arranged in at least one of the grooves of the wings configured to intermesh with the teeth of the rim of the face opening
Data Source
AI summary
Construction kit including construction blocks (2) and connection parts (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, 6) for coupling the construction blocks. The construction blocks comprise openings (18) for the insertion of the connection parts formed by a pair of constituent elements (4a) pivoting with respect to one another. The rim (26) of the opening comprises eight or more teeth (22) distributed over the periphery of the opening. Some of the connection parts comprise teeth (68) arranged in a groove (66) which are configured to interlock with the teeth (22) of the rim when the connection part is in the locking position.