Flexible Elastomeric Connector Panel for Toy Block Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block systems lack flexibility and practicality for storage and use, as they are typically rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to roll up and utilize a larger surface area, especially when combined with rigid plastic toy blocks.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connector panel made of elastomeric material with male and female interconnection members arranged in columns and rows, allowing the panel to be bent into an arcuate shape and used with toy blocks, enabling frictional engagement and disengagement, and capable of forming loops or bridges, while accommodating different sizes of toy blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid building block systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector panel is made from a flexible material such as fabric, leather, or synthetic polymer material that can be bent and folded, replacing traditional rigid materials like wood or plastic while maintaining connection functionality through integrated male and female interconnection members
Solution Approach 2:
The connector panel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and configuration, allowing it to be rolled up for storage or unfolded for use, with the interconnection members maintaining functional stability during these transitions
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid connector panels are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material allows the connector panel to conform to various surface geometries and be rolled into compact forms for storage, while the precisely manufactured interconnection members maintain accurate alignment and engagement across different configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector panel is divided into a grid of interconnection members arranged in rows and columns, allowing different portions of the panel to be independently positioned and engaged with blocks, enabling adaptability to various surface areas and configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision of individual connection points
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of interconnection members is increased, then versatility with toy blocks is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection members are designed with universal male and female configurations that can engage with various toy block types, allowing a single connector panel design to work with multiple block sizes and shapes through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
All interconnection members follow a uniform design pattern with consistent spacing, sizing, and engagement mechanisms, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining versatility through the repetitive modular structure that can accommodate different toy block configurations
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
The flexible connector panel allows for a larger usable surface area, easy storage and transportation, and versatile use in forming loops or bridges, while maintaining a low profile and accommodating various toy block sizes through adjustable interconnection members.
Implementation Method 1
The connector panel is resiliently flexible and is comprised of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
allowing male and female connectors to engage each other while allowing a block on which they are positioned to be freely bent into an arcuate shape
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible interconnectable block and fastener system includes a connector panel having a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The connector panel is resiliently flexible and is comprised of an elastomeric material. The perimeter edge includes a first end edge, a second end edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The connector panel is elongated from the first end edge to the second end edge. A plurality of male interconnection members is integrally formed in and extends upwardly from the top side. The male interconnection members are arranged in a plurality of columns extending from the first end edge to the second end edge and rows extending between the first and second lateral edges wherein a number of the rows is equal to or less than a number of the columns.