Lighted Toy Brick with Universal Connection Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Toy building blocks and snap-together electronic toys are not configured to be attached to each other, limiting the structures that can be built and the functionality of electronic toy bricks.
Innovation Solution
A lighted toy brick design that allows attachment to both toy building blocks and snap-together electronic toys by using a configuration of projections, protrusions, and knobs to create a secure connection, enabling the bricks to be powered and used to create structures with lighting and other functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If toy building blocks and snap-together electronic toys are designed separately with different connection mechanisms, then each toy type maintains its structural integrity and connection reliability, but the adaptability and versatility of the toys are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toy brick integrates multiple connection interfaces into a single unified design. The top surface includes both building block connection features (protrusions and recesses) and electronic toy connection features (contact pads arranged in specific patterns), allowing the same brick to connect to both types of toys without requiring separate specialized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the connection mechanisms for building blocks and electronic toys into a single integrated contact structure. The contact pads are positioned and configured to simultaneously accommodate both building block attachment and electronic circuit completion when another brick or toy is connected
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unified connection mechanism is used to attach both building blocks and electronic toys, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the reliability of secure connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the brick's connection interface have specialized properties optimized for their specific function. The contact pads have specific electrical properties and positioning for electronic connections, while the protrusions and recesses have mechanical properties optimized for building block attachment, allowing each local area to excel at its intended connection type
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements and contact pads serve as intermediaries that facilitate both mechanical connection and electrical connection simultaneously. When two bricks connect, the contact pads provide both the mechanical interface for attachment and the electrical interface for circuit completion, mediating between the mechanical and electrical requirements
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
Enables the creation of complex structures by allowing toy building blocks and snap-together electronic toys to be combined, enhancing the versatility and functionality of electronic toy bricks through the provision of lighting and other interactive features.
Implementation Method 1
a light device configured to emit light when the light device receives electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic toy brick configured to be selectively attached to other toy bricks. One electronic toy brick having at least a top plate with projections, walls, an electrical node for receiving electricity, and a light device electrically coupled to the electrical node. At least one of the top plate and walls are translucent, partially translucent or have a hole to permit light from the light device to exit the toy brick.