Incremental Positioning Mechanism for Construction Toy Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing K'NEX construction toy systems lack a simple and effective mechanism for incremental rotational positioning of assembled rigid components, which is necessary for poseable action figures and similar structures.
Innovation Solution
A positioning mechanism comprising a first positioning member with a rod-gripping socket and a series of angularly spaced teeth, and a second positioning member with projections and detent fingers that securely engage the connectors, allowing incremental angular adjustment of the first positioning member relative to the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If standard connectors are used to join rods, then structural rigidity is achieved, but incremental rotational positioning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: a first positioning member with rod-gripping socket and teeth for rotational adjustment, and a second positioning member with projections for structural support. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - one for rigidity, one for positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The first positioning member is designed to be rotatable relative to the second positioning member, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The resilient positioning fingers allow controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable connector is used to enable rotational movement, then flexibility is achieved, but incremental positioning control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient positioning fingers act as intermediaries between the rotatable first positioning member and the fixed second positioning member. These fingers engage with the teeth to provide discrete incremental positioning stops, converting continuous rotation into controlled incremental steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of rotational freedom into discrete angular positions. The teeth and resilient fingers create specific angular increments, transforming the continuous rotation parameter into quantized positional states for precise control
3Adaptability or versatility
If a positioning mechanism with multiple components is added, then incremental positioning capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism merges multiple functions into a compact assembly: the first positioning member combines rod gripping, rotational movement, and tooth engagement; the second positioning member combines structural support and resilient finger mounting. This merging reduces overall complexity despite adding positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to standard rod and connector systems. The first positioning member can engage with standard connectors while providing incremental positioning, making the mechanism adaptable to various construction toy configurations without requiring entirely new components
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
Enables incremental angular positioning of rods within the K'NEX construction toy system, enhancing the assembly's flexibility and suitability for structures like poseable action figures by allowing precise adjustment and retention of positional changes.
Implementation Method 1
A spaced apart pair of resilient positioning fingers (sometimes referred to herein as detent fingers) extend from the body of the second positioning member and engage the positioning teeth of the first positioning member
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning mechanism for use in conjunction with rod and connector construction toy sets, such as K'NEX, to enable incrementally adjustable positioning of rods relative to associated connectors. The new mechanism includes first and second positioning members. The first, positioning member is, mounted on a rod for angular movement and includes a cylindrical outer surface with multiple detent notches. The second positioning member has a convergent pair of resilient fingers engaged with a spaced pair of the detent notches to releasably retain the first positioning member in any incrementally adjusted position. The second positioning member includes mounting studs engageable with laterally spaced connectors of an assembly, and a separate locating element engageable with at least one of the connectors to fix the second positioning member against rotation. The first and second positioning members are easily incorporated into otherwise standard rod and connector structures to achieve the desired incremental adjustability.