Magnetic Building Block Corner Structure for Staggered Connections

Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic building blocks can only be stacked along the same axis, limiting connection options and dampening children's enthusiasm for building models, while their complex structure and production process lead to high costs and intricate manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A building block design featuring a plurality of sidewalls with crossed corners, integrated inner enclosure walls, and stop columns, allowing for staggered connections and simplified production through ultrasonic welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic building blocks are designed with diverse stacking angles and multiple connection methods, then the adaptability and gameplay variety are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidbuilding block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is divided into distinct functional components: a main body portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is further segmented into multiple connection units, each capable of independent rotation and magnetic connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and reducing production complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides magnetic connection capability, enables rotation for different stacking angles, and allows connection in various orientations. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of the connection portion that combines magnetic elements, rotation joints, and connection interfaces into a single universal component that handles all connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic building blocks are designed with diverse stacking angles and multiple connection methods, then the adaptability and gameplay variety are improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is divided into distinct functional components: a main body portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is further segmented into multiple connection units, each capable of independent rotation and magnetic connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and reducing production complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple connection units are integrated into a single connection portion that is then attached to the main body. This merging of multiple connection capabilities into one integrated component simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be produced and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining diverse connection options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic building blocks are designed with diverse stacking angles and multiple connection methods, then the adaptability and gameplay variety are improved, but the assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is divided into distinct functional components: a main body portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is further segmented into multiple connection units, each capable of independent rotation and magnetic connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and reducing production complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion incorporates magnetic elements that automatically attract and hold the building blocks together during assembly. The rotation joints are designed to naturally align and lock into position when connected. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex assembly tools and procedures, allowing users to easily assemble various configurations without requiring precise manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enriches building and playing methods, reduces production complexity and costs, and enhances user experience by enabling staggered shape construction and stable connections.

Implementation Method 1

the upper sidewall is connected to the circumferential surrounding wall group by ultrasonic welding. the lower sidewall is connected to the circumferential surrounding wall group by ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12533599B1Building block

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SHENZHEN BLACK TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A building block includes a building block main body and a magnet. The building block main body is formed by a plurality of sidewalls connected to each other. A crossed corner is formed at a junction between adjacent sidewalls. An inner enclosure wall and a stop column are arranged at the crossed corner. A compartment is formed by surrounding the inner enclosure wall and the sidewall. The stop column is positioned in the compartment, and the inner enclosure wall and the stop column are integrally formed. The inner enclosure wall and the stop column are configured for stopping the magnet at the crossed corner.