Foldable Chess Set with Hinged Shelves and Magnetic Piece Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chess sets face challenges such as lost pieces and cumbersome storage and transportation due to bulky game boards and difficulty in keeping pieces on the board.
Innovation Solution
A foldable chess set with hinged shelves that swing out for play and fold inward for storage, utilizing magnetic or metal connections to secure pieces to the board, allowing for easy setup and protection of pieces during play and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large bulky game board is used, then the chess pieces can be kept on the board during play, but the board becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The chess board is divided into two separate halves that can be detached and folded together for compact storage, yet remain functional when separated for play. This segmentation allows the board to provide full playing surface area during gameplay while reducing to a compact size for storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The board halves utilize a folding mechanism that transforms the spatial arrangement from a flat extended configuration during play to a compact three-dimensional folded structure for storage. This dimensional transformation allows the board to occupy minimal space when not in use while maintaining full playing surface area when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the board is made smaller and more portable, then storage and transportation become easier, but it becomes difficult to keep playing pieces on the board
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements are pre-installed in the chess pieces and corresponding metal elements are pre-installed in the board squares. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the pieces are placed on the board during play, they are automatically secured by magnetic attraction, preventing them from falling off even when the board is in its compact folded state or being transported.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional storage methods are used, then pieces can be stored separately, but pieces are easily lost and difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the board structure itself. When the board halves are folded together, the interior space formed by the folding mechanism serves as a dedicated storage compartment for the chess pieces. This integration ensures that pieces have a designated storage location that is always accessible and prevents loss, while maintaining ease of retrieval when the board is opened.
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 solution provides a compact storage solution, prevents piece loss by securing them to the board during play, and facilitates easy transportation by minimizing board size when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the shelves contain metal that attracts magnets located within the chess pieces. In another aspect of the invention the shelves contain magnets and the pieces have a magnet attracting metal
Data Source
AI summary
Chess set comprising a housing that closes and creates a space to store game pieces. Shelves are rotatably attached to the side of the board to move from a close position inside the housing to an open position adjacent to the playing board. Game pieces are adhered to the shelves and to the board via a mechanical connection that is releasable such as a magnet, button, adhesive, or other suitable mechanism.