Electronic Building-Block Module With Nested Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building-block toys lack interactive functions, leading to decreased fun for children, and existing modular electronic robot kits are cumbersome due to complex wire connections and inflexible magnetic connections, which hinder the construction of three-dimensional models and human-machine interaction.
Innovation Solution
An electronic building-block module with a main body, projections, circuit board, and connectors that allow for stable stacking and splicing, enabling electrical connections through a bus, facilitating the creation of intelligent robot models and interaction with existing LEGO toys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external connecting wires are used to connect modules, then electrical connection can be achieved, but the connection mode becomes complex and confusing for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and electrical connection function into a single integrated connector structure. The connector includes both mechanical engagement features (protrusions and recesses) and electrical contact points, allowing simultaneous mechanical alignment and electrical connection when modules are stacked together, eliminating the need for separate external wires
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical stacking interface and an electrical connection interface. The same connector structure enables modules to be stacked vertically while establishing electrical connections through integrated contact points, making the connection process simple and unified
2Ease of operation
If magnetic connection is used to combine sensors, then modules can be connected, but the connection is easily separated and leads to broken lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic pieces with curved or flexible structures that provide resilient contact pressure. These elastic components can deform to accommodate minor misalignments while maintaining continuous electrical contact, and their elasticity ensures they exert sufficient force to prevent separation during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates elastic pieces that change their physical state from a relaxed state to a compressed state during connection. This parameter change (from uncompressed to compressed) enables the elastic pieces to provide continuous contact pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection while accommodating the mechanical stacking process
3Productivity
If conventional building-block stacking method is used, then modules can be assembled, but three-dimensional models cannot be built with electronic connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal magnetic connection to vertical stacking connection by adding a new dimension (vertical stacking). Modules are designed with top and bottom connection interfaces that enable vertical stacking, allowing three-dimensional model construction while maintaining electrical connections through the integrated connectors in the stacking direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic building-block module includes a main body, multiple projections spacedly arranged on a top surface of the main body, a circuit board, multiple main connectors and multiple sub connectors; the electronic building-block module has multiple recesses which are provided at a bottom portion of the main body for respectively accommodating the multiple projections; the main body has a cavity therein, the circuit board is located within the cavity; each of the multiple projections has a cylindrical shape with an upper opening, the multiple main connectors are respectively located within the upper opening of the multiple projections; the multiple sub connectors are respectively located within a lower opening of the multiple recesses; the multiple main connectors of one electronic building-block module are respectively in nested connection with the multiple sub connectors of another electronic building-block module.