Electronic Assembly Blocks with PLC Connectors for Stable Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional assembly-block toys lack interactive functionality and stability in electronic connections, leading to user confusion and potential damage, while magnetic force-based connections can cause circuit malfunctions and limit model variety.
Innovation Solution
The use of power line communication (PLC) for electrical connections between electronic assembly blocks, featuring cylindrical power and ground terminals, and connectors for stable and convenient stacking, along with control, input, and output blocks for interactive toy robot models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connection wires and external wires are used to connect electronic modules, then electrical connections can be established, but it becomes easy to confuse users and difficult to construct models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from separate wires and integrates it into the block structure itself. The connector is built into each block, eliminating the need for external connection wires and simplifying the assembly process for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical stacking function by integrating connectors directly into the block structure. This combination allows blocks to be connected both mechanically and electrically through a single stacking action, reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If magnetic force is used to assemble blocks and establish electrical connections, then blocks can be mutually assembled and electrically connected, but magnetic force affects the circuit causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the magnetic assembly mechanism. Instead of relying on magnetic force to establish electrical contact, the design uses separate dedicated connector structures that physically engage to create reliable electrical connections without magnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated connector as an intermediary element between blocks. This connector serves as a mediator that establishes electrical connections through direct physical contact rather than through magnetic field interaction, preventing magnetic force from affecting the circuit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic electrodes are exposed on block surfaces for assembly, then blocks can be assembled by matching magnetic electrodes, but this limits implementation of various assembly models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs connectors with universal compatibility features that allow the same connector type to work across different block configurations. This universality enables various assembly models without requiring users to match specific electrode patterns, increasing versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Proposed is an electronic assembly block that includes a first circuit board provided with a first connector disposed thereon, the first connector including a cylindrical power data terminal and a cylindrical ground terminal disposed to be spaced apart from and at an outer side of the power data terminal, a second circuit board provided with a second connector disposed thereon, the second connector having a cylindrical protrusion and including a power data piece 71 provided on an inner surface of the protrusion and a ground piece provided on an outer surface of the protrusion, a connection part electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, a housing having the first circuit board and the second circuit board disposed in a hollow thereof and providing an outer shell, and a sub-housing coupled with the housing and having a through-hole provided at a part corresponding to the second connector to allow the second connector to be exposed when coupled with the housing.