Magnetic Building Block with Embedded Retention for Suspension Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional building blocks require a fixed lower structure for stacking, making it difficult and frustrating for young children to build and limiting their imaginative play due to the reliance on gravity for stacking and restrictive shaping arrangements.

Innovation Solution

Magnetic building blocks with a bearing body, magnetic bodies, and a retaining body that allow for magnetic connection and secure placement of blocks, enabling flexible stacking and splicing of blocks on different surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional building blocks are stacked by gravity with lower blocks forming the foundation, then the structure is stable, but it is difficult and frustrating for young children and limits imaginative play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of stackingVSAvoidshaping arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical stacking system with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnetic bodies are embedded in each building block, enabling blocks to be attracted to and connected with each other through magnetic forces rather than relying on gravity and physical contact. This allows blocks to be stacked without requiring a stable lower foundation, making it easier for children to build and enabling more diverse spatial arrangements including suspension structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection force from gravitational force to magnetic force. By embedding magnetic bodies with specific magnetic field strengths and polarities in each block, the system enables dynamic control over block connections. Blocks can be attracted to or repelled from each other, allowing for flexible shaping arrangements that were previously impossible with gravity-based stacking alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If magnetic bodies are placed in the accommodation cavity without retention, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic bodies may shift or fall out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal structure complexityVSAvoidmagnetic body fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local retention structures at specific locations within the accommodation cavity rather than using a comprehensive retention system throughout. Retention protrusions are strategically positioned to engage with corresponding retention grooves on the magnetic bodies, providing localized but sufficient fixation. This approach secures the magnetic bodies while minimizing the overall complexity of the internal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple retaining structures are added to secure magnetic bodies, then the magnetic bodies are securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic body retentionVSAvoidretaining body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the retention function into separate, modular components: retention protrusions on the bearing body and corresponding retention grooves on the magnetic bodies. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing reliable retention. The modular nature of these segmented retention features reduces overall device complexity compared to a monolithic retention structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies the stacking process, enhances imaginative play by allowing diverse splicing and suspension arrangements, and reduces the complexity of building block arrangements, providing a more convenient and versatile play experience for children.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic bodies are located in the accommodation cavity and attract external products through wall surfaces of the bearing body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11406909B2Magnetic building block

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 HUIZHOU SANGNIWEI SOLAR ENERGY TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a magnetic building block, including: a bearing body, magnetic bodies, and a retaining body, the bearing body including a sealing member and a bearing member which forms first cavities with the retaining body, the magnetic bodies being located in the first cavities and attracting adjacent external products, to form different shapes; the retaining body is in contact with the magnetic bodies to secure the same. The bearing body, the magnetic bodies, and the retaining body match for use, and the magnetic bodies are relatively fixed in an accommodation cavity through the retaining body and can be magnetically connected to the external products, such that when stacking multiple magnetic building block, different magnetic building blocks can be spliced in different surfaces and further be spliced in a suspension manner, thereby reducing a process of stacking multiple building blocks, providing convenience, and further realizing diversified splicing and meeting users' requirements.