Interactive Modular Construction Element With Integrated Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular construction systems require technical knowledge and complex electrical connections, limiting their use in creating interactive models, especially for children, as they need to understand control structures and data communication to interconnect function and sensor elements effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of interactive modular construction elements with integrated sensors and function elements, where a control circuit receives sensor signals and provides control signals to function elements, allowing for intuitive operation without the need for electrical connections, and enabling users to create complex behaviors without advanced technical skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular construction systems use separate function elements and sensor elements that require electrical connections, then the system can achieve interactive functionality, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to the need for understanding control structures and data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines function elements and sensor elements into integrated modular construction elements. Each module contains both a function device (e.g., motor, lamp, speaker) and a sensor device (e.g., light sensor, sound sensor, motion sensor) along with a control unit that processes sensor inputs and controls function outputs. This integration eliminates the need for separate electrical connections and complex control wiring between distinct function and sensor modules, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining interactive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular construction elements are designed with universal interfaces and standardized coupling mechanisms that allow the same module type to serve multiple functions. The integrated control unit can process various sensor inputs and control different function outputs, making each module multi-functional. This universality reduces the overall number of different component types needed in the system, simplifying both the device structure and its operation.
2Reliability
If modular construction systems require electrical connections between elements, then control signals can be transmitted, but the ease of operation decreases as users need technical knowledge about electricity and data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical connection systems with simplified mechanical coupling mechanisms. The modular elements use standardized physical interfaces (such as studs and sockets) that automatically establish both mechanical support and electrical connections when coupled together. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for users to manually wire electrical connections or understand electrical principles, as the coupling action itself establishes all necessary connections reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular construction elements incorporate self-aligning and self-connecting features. When modules are brought together through their mechanical coupling interfaces, the system automatically establishes electrical connections and configures control signal pathways without requiring user intervention or technical knowledge. The control units within each module automatically detect and communicate with neighboring modules, enabling the system to self-configure and begin operation immediately after assembly.
3Ease of operation
If construction elements use integrated sensors and function elements with automatic control circuits, then the ease of operation improves for users of all skill levels, but the device complexity increases within each individual element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex control functionality into discrete, modular units. Each construction element contains its own dedicated control unit that handles sensor input processing and function output control independently. This segmentation allows the complexity to be distributed across multiple simple modules rather than concentrated in a single complex system, making each individual element easier to manufacture and replace while maintaining overall system sophistication.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit within each modular element acts as an intermediary between the sensor and function components. It receives raw sensor signals, processes them according to programmed logic, and generates appropriate control signals for the function device. This intermediary layer shields users from the complexity of signal processing and control logic, as they only need to assemble the physical modules without needing to understand or configure the internal control mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses mechanical coupling without electrical wires, then the freedom to construct models increases, but the reliability of signal transmission between elements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions into a single integrated interface. The modular elements feature combined mechanical-stud interfaces that simultaneously provide structural support and establish electrical contacts when coupled together. This merging ensures that signal transmission reliability is maintained while eliminating the need for separate wire connections, thereby preserving construction freedom and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive modular construction element (100) for a modular construction system (200), the interactive modular construction element (100) comprising a sensor (601) being responsive to a predetermined sensor input and adapted to output a sensor signal (610) corresponding to or representing the predetermined sensor input, a function element (602) adapted to perform at least one controllable function in response to a control signal (611), and a control circuit (603) connected to the sensor (601) to receive the sensor signal (610) and connected to the function element (602) to provide the control signal (611), wherein the control circuit (603) is adapted to provide the control signal (611) in response to the sensor signal (610) thereby controlling the function element (602) in response to the sensor signal (610), wherein the interactive modular construction element (100) comprises an input part (101) and an output part (102), where the input part (101) and the output part (102) are different from each other.