Compressible Foam Log Fasteners for Secure Child Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction playsets using foam logs and fasteners face challenges in securely attaching components without requiring complex assembly and ensuring structural integrity, particularly for large-scale structures that can be safely built without the risk of collapse.
Innovation Solution
The development of one-piece molded fasteners with a biased head and pivot mechanism that can compress to pass through apertures in foam construction elements, allowing secure attachment and locking without the need for intricate assembly, while passing safety standards for child safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners are used to attach foam logs, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly becomes complex and difficult for children
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for insertion, a shaft portion for engagement, and a locking mechanism with movable elements. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates self-locking features where the locking elements automatically engage with the foam log apertures without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps. The spring-loaded or elastic elements automatically adjust to secure the connection, enabling children to assemble structures independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large-scale structures are built for immersive play, then play value increases, but risk of collapse and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design includes pre-positioned locking elements and guide features that ensure proper alignment and engagement before final securing. This preliminary action prevents misalignment and ensures each connection point is properly established, contributing to overall structural stability in large-scale constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates shock-absorbing elements such as springs or elastic components that can accommodate minor structural shifts and movements. This cushioning effect prevents sudden failures and maintains structural integrity even when subjected to dynamic loads from children playing on large structures.
3Ease of operation
If simple fasteners are used for easy assembly, then ease of operation improves, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: insertion, alignment, locking, and shock absorption are all combined in one element. This merging allows the simple single-piece fastener to achieve secure attachment without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates dynamic elements such as movable locking arms or spring-loaded components that adapt to the foam log material properties. These dynamic features allow the fastener to maintain secure attachment while accommodating natural movements and pressures, ensuring both simplicity and strength.
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 fasteners enable easy and secure connection of foam logs, allowing children to build large, stable structures safely, meeting child safety standards and facilitating imaginative play without the risk of collapse.
Implementation Method 1
The head is biased when in a rest state of the body in which it has a width larger than an aperture of the foam construction elements. The first and second parts are movable relative to one another to change a width of the head to be smaller than the aperture of the foam construction elements
Data Source
AI summary
Fastener for foam construction elements such as logs, includes an elongate body and a central longitudinally extending axis. The body has first and second elongate parts, and a head connected to one end of each elongate part and which is biased when in a rest state of the body in which it has a width larger than an aperture of the foam construction elements to prevent passage therethrough. The first and second parts are movable relative to one another to change a width of the head to be smaller than the aperture of the foam construction elements to enable its insertion through such apertures. A flange at an opposite end of each elongate part projects outward from the central axis of the body and in combination have a width larger than the aperture of the foam construction elements to prevent passage therethrough, and thereby secure adjacent foam construction elements together.