Flexible Rods with Groove Cross-Sections for Snap-and-Lock Toy Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toy construction kits rely on rigid parts, which limit flexibility and creativity in design, as they do not allow for easy stacking or secure locking of pieces.
Innovation Solution
A construction kit featuring flexible rods made of metal wires encased in durable plastic, with a unique groove design that enables secure stacking and locking through a snap-and-lock mechanism, allowing for various designs and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid parts are used in construction kits, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and stacking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using flexible rods with groove-shaped cross-sections that can bend and conform to different configurations. The rods maintain structural integrity through their groove geometry while enabling flexible stacking and locking mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining rigid groove-shaped structural elements with flexible connecting components. This allows the construction kit to achieve both structural strength through the groove geometry and flexibility through the composite assembly, enabling secure stacking while maintaining adaptability
2Stability of the object's composition
If secure locking mechanism is implemented, then stability of construction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service principle through the snap-and-lock mechanism that automatically secures rods together when stacked. The groove-shaped cross-sections engage with corresponding features to create self-locking connections, providing stable constructions without requiring complex external locking devices or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features (grooves and corresponding engagement points) distributed along the rods. This segmentation allows each rod to lock independently with others, achieving overall construction stability through multiple simple locking points rather than a single complex mechanism
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 rods enable creative and secure stacking, allowing users to build complex structures and easily disassemble them, enhancing play value and design possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
The wire 3 encased in the plastic allows the plastic to be bent without memory issues
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction kit is disclosed. The construction kit comprising a plurality of flexible construction pieces, each of said flexible construction pieces comprising bendable rod made up of a metal wire with a plastic surrounding the metal wire. The plastic wire is flexible, said plastic surrounding said metal wire forming an elongated structure. Disks are spaced along the length of rod.