Electronic Building Blocks with Integrated Magnetic and Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block kits lack a novel connection mechanism that allows for both mechanical and electrical coupling between blocks, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronic polyhedral building blocks with alternating magnetic segments on each face, enabling magnetic connection and electrical coupling through power and communication contacts, allowing blocks to be easily connected and electrically coupled for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic connection mechanism is used to connect blocks, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens due to integration of electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic connection mechanism with electrical contact mechanism into a single integrated structure. The magnets and electrical contacts are positioned on the same connection surfaces, allowing simultaneous mechanical attachment and electrical coupling when blocks are joined, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring separate connection and wiring steps
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical attachment through magnetic force, electrical power transmission through power contacts, and data communication through communication contacts. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while enhancing operational convenience
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical coupling is added to building blocks, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: power contacts for electrical supply, communication contacts for data transmission, and magnetic segments for mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the block connection surface are assigned different functional properties: certain areas contain magnets for mechanical attachment, while other areas contain electrical contacts for power and communication. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component while achieving overall system versatility
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 robust mechanical connection and efficient electrical coupling between blocks, enhancing the versatility and functionality of the building block kit by allowing for the transmission of control signals between connected blocks.
Implementation Method 1
making use of a magnet arranged on a block and a magnetic member arranged on another block so that these blocks can be connected together by magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic building block includes a first side and a second side, a first magnet fixed to the first side and including a number of first magnet segments, a second magnet fixed to the second side and including a number of second magnet segments, a first power contact, a second power contact and a first communication contact arranged on the first side; and a third power contact, a fourth power contact and a second communication contact arranged on the second side and respectively coming into contact with the first power contact, the second power contact, and the first communication contact when the first magnet segments of one of two electronic building blocks is connected to the second magnet segments of the other of two electronic building blocks.