Game Board Token Nesting Mechanism for Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board games face issues with token displacement due to unintentional movement of the board or tokens, leading to confusion and disruption in gameplay, and there is a gap in thinking processes among adults and children that affects learning and problem-solving skills.
Innovation Solution
A game board apparatus with tokens featuring a closed surface and projection that fits into a recess on the board, along with a hollow surface that receives a convex surface, preventing token displacement and promoting progressive learning through structured game scenarios that enhance executive function and thinking processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tokens are placed on a flat board surface, then the board game is simple to manufacture and operate, but the tokens can be easily displaced when the board is lifted or tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The token features a hollow body with a cavity that receives a projection extending from the board surface. The projection fits into the hollow body like a nested structure, creating a secure connection that prevents token displacement while maintaining a relatively simple board design with only surface-level recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat board surface to a three-dimensional connection system. The projection extends vertically from the board surface, and the hollow body of the token receives this projection, creating a vertical dimension of connection that prevents lateral displacement of tokens.
2Reliability
If tokens are made with simple flat surfaces, then manufacturing is easier, but tokens can fall off when the board is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The token's hollow body with cavity and the projection form a nested connection where the projection fits inside the hollow body. This nested structure provides secure retention while keeping the token manufacturing process relatively simple, requiring only the formation of a hollow body and an internal cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The token retention mechanism is segmented into two distinct components: the projection extending from the board and the hollow body with cavity in the token. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately and then assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If the board surface is made flat and smooth, then tokens can move freely for game play, but unintentional movement occurs causing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The nested connection between the projection and hollow body provides a secure fit that prevents unintended token displacement during game play. At the same time, the design allows intentional placement and removal of tokens by players, maintaining ease of operation for legitimate game movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection and hollow body create an asymmetric connection that provides directional stability. The projection fits into the hollow body in a specific orientation, preventing tokens from sliding or rotating unintentionally while still allowing players to deliberately place and remove tokens when needed for game play.
Data Source
AI summary
A game board apparatus (100) comprising at least two tokens (130) with a hollow open end (132) and a closed surface (134) including a cavity (136) a projection (138) extending from the closed surface (134); and a board (110) with a plurality of recesses (112) structured on the board (110) to receive the tokens (130), the recess (112) includes a first surface (114), a second surface (116) enclosed by the first surface (114), and a hole (118) at the center of the second surface (116), wherein the hole (118) receives the projection (138) and the second surface (116) receives the hollow open end (132) of the token (130) thereby avoiding displacement of the token (130) from the surface of the board and wherein the cavity (136) in the closed surface of the token receives the projection (138) of the token (130) thereby allowing stacking of the tokens (130). While playing a token (130) is placed over another token (130) forming a stack (144), wherein stacking is done by selecting the shortest path such that the number of steps taken for forming a stack (144) is same as the number of tokens (130) in the stack. FIG. 1 is the representative figure.