Magnetic Building Block Assembly via Segmentation and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block toys are bulky due to multiple parts, inconvenient for storage and transportation, and have slow assembly processes due to snap-fitting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A building block system comprising four single components and eight magnetic spheres, where the components form a cube shape through interconnected rods with insertion portions and undercuts, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and magnetic sphere fixation, along with track building blocks that can be stacked and connected via clamping slots and insertion portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If building block toys are made from plastic injection molding with multiple parts assembled by snap-fitting, then the structural integrity and shape variety are improved, but the volume and mass increase making storage and transportation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The building block is divided into four separate single components that can be assembled together. Each component consists of connecting rods and insertion portions that can be joined to form the complete cube structure. This segmentation allows the block to be stored in a compact disassembled state while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The four single components can be nested within each other when disassembled, with smaller components fitting inside larger ones. This nesting approach minimizes the storage volume significantly compared to storing the assembled cube, while allowing rapid reassembly when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building block toys are made from plastic injection molding with multiple parts, then the shape variety and structural complexity are improved, but the assembly process becomes slow and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional snap-fitting mechanical assembly mechanism is replaced with a magnetic field-based assembly system. Magnetic spheres embedded in the connecting rods provide automatic magnetic attraction that guides and secures the joining of components, eliminating the need for precise manual snap-fitting operations and significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic spheres enable the building block components to self-align and self-assemble through magnetic attraction. When components are brought near each other, the magnetic force automatically guides them into the correct position and secures the connection, reducing the skill and time required for assembly while maintaining shape variety.
3Stability of the object's composition
If building blocks are assembled into three-dimensional structures by snap-fitting, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical snap-fitting system is replaced with a simpler magnetic field-based connection system. Magnetic spheres provide automatic attraction and alignment, making the assembly operation much more convenient while maintaining structural stability through the magnetic bond between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes from mechanical interlocking (snap-fitting) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change in the connection method simplifies the assembly operation significantly, as magnetic attraction provides both guidance and securing forces automatically, while the magnetic bond strength ensures structural stability of the assembled configuration.
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
The solution results in a lightweight, compact building block system that can be easily assembled into various shapes, facilitating creativity and educational development in children, while allowing for efficient storage and transportation by disassembling into smaller parts.
Implementation Method 1
comprising four of single components and eight of magnetic spheres; the two of the first insertion portions and of each of the single components are inserted into the inserting holes of the two of the second insertion portions of the other single components one by one, so that the four of the single components are assembled to cube shape; all the magnetic spheres are pressed into the inserting holes of the second insertion portions one by one
Implementation Method 2
the inside of each inserting holes is provided with an undercuts; the magnetic spheres are pressed into the inserting holes and are fixed by the undercuts, so that the magnetic spheres are not able to come out of the inserting holes
Data Source
AI summary
This utility model discloses a building block and track building block toy including four of single components and eight of magnetic spheres; each one of single components comprises a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and a third connecting rod; the first connecting rod, the second connecting rod, and the third connecting rod are sequentially connected to form a “” shape; a first insertion portion is disposed on an end of the first connecting rod, and another one of first insertion portion is disposed on an end of the third connecting rod; second insertion portions extend vertically at both ends of the second connecting rod; each of the second insertion portions is provided with one of inserting holes. A plurality of the building blocks are able to be adsorbed together by magnetic spheres and assembled into various shapes.