Construction Toy Component Multi-Joint Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction components allow only one type of connection between identical components, limiting their functional possibilities.
Innovation Solution
Designing construction components with multiple interlocking joints, each featuring volumetric bodies with cube faces and protrusions of specific dimensions and arrangements, enabling various connection options by allowing contact between protrusion sections of adjacent components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a construction component uses a single interlocking joint design, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the connection versatility between components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking joint is divided into multiple independent connection elements (protrusions and recesses) positioned at different locations and orientations on the component faces. Each segment can engage independently with corresponding segments of other components, allowing multiple connection configurations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design incorporates multiple types of connection interfaces (different protrusion shapes, sizes, and positions) on a single component, enabling it to connect with various component types and orientations using the same basic joint structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interlocking joints with complex protrusion arrangements are used, then connection versatility increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated joint structure. The protrusions and recesses are formed as part of the same manufacturing process (injection molding), eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for each connection element.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design uses standardized parameter variations (protrusion height, width, and position) that can be easily adjusted in the molding process. By changing dimensional parameters rather than fundamental geometry, manufacturing remains simple while connection versatility increases.
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
Increases the number of connection options between similar components, enhancing the functional versatility and stability of the construction components through increased frictional contact and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the functional versatility and stability of the construction components through increased frictional contact
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to construction components, and particularly to those used in toy construction sets and puzzles. A construction component has at least two interlocking joints, each of them is made in the form of a volumetric body with faces, at least part of which lie in the planes of the cube faces where cube face length is equal to <>, where protrusions are made on at least one of the aforementioned faces, having a height ≧<<a/2>> and containing four sections, arranged individually in the planes of the cube faces and adjacent to the face on which protrusions are made, wherein each face of the interlocking joint, lying on the plane of the faces of the cube, lies either in the plane of one of the faces of another interlocking joint or in the plane parallel to the plane of one of the faces of the other interlocking joint.