Magnetic Playing Card Layout for Universal Card Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic building toys and playing cards have limited magnetic coupling arrangements, making it difficult to construct structures quickly and easily, and require specific stacking skills that can be challenging for some users.
Innovation Solution
Magnetic playing cards with a substrate containing edge and interior magnet groups that allow universal magnetic coupling, enabling flexible and easy construction of structures by magnetically connecting edges, centerlines, and surfaces with other cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic building toys with limited magnet configurations are used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the construction versatility and complexity of buildable structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic playing card is segmented into multiple magnet groups positioned at specific locations: four edge magnet groups (one at each edge) and four interior magnet groups (one at each quadrant of the substrate interior). This segmentation allows each magnet group to independently couple with corresponding magnet groups on secondary cards, enabling versatile construction while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized group placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic playing card is designed with universal coupling capability where any edge magnet group or interior magnet group can magnetically couple with any corresponding magnet group on a secondary card regardless of orientation. This multi-functionality allows the same card design to work in numerous construction configurations without requiring different magnet arrangements for different uses.
2Ease of operation
If conventional playing cards without magnetic coupling are used, then the card structure is simple, but the ease of construction and time required to build structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large magnetic assembly, the magnetic system is segmented into multiple smaller magnet groups distributed across the card. Each edge and interior magnet group contains a manageable number of magnets, making the overall magnet quantity controlled while providing distributed magnetic coupling points that significantly ease construction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual card stacking operations with magnetic coupling mechanisms. The magnetic attraction between corresponding magnet groups on adjacent cards automatically holds cards together, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and stacking skills, thereby dramatically improving ease of construction.
3Productivity
If conventional magnetic building toys with limited coupling arrangements are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the productivity and speed of structure construction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet groups are pre-positioned in specific locations on the substrate during manufacturing: edge magnet groups at each edge and interior magnet groups in each quadrant. This preliminary arrangement of magnetic coupling points is built into the card structure, so that during construction, cards can be quickly coupled together without requiring additional alignment steps, thereby increasing construction speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized universal coupling design allows any card to interface with any other card in multiple orientations and positions. This universality enables rapid prototyping and construction as children can freely combine cards without worrying about compatibility or orientation constraints, significantly improving construction productivity.
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
Facilitates quick and easy construction of structures by allowing versatile magnetic coupling, enhancing creativity and accessibility for users of all skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of edge magnet groups and the plurality of interior magnet groups is configured to magnetically couple to any edge magnet group or interior magnet group of the secondary magnetic playing card
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic playing card includes a substrate disposed between a playing-card front face and a playing-card back face. The substrate includes edge magnet groups disposed at edges of the substrate and interior magnet groups disposed at an interior of the substrate, wherein each magnet group is defined by a pair of apertures holding composite magnets. Each composite magnet comprises first and second sub-magnets fixed together in opposite polar directions. For edge magnet groups, the sub-magnets are configured to present both a north pole and a south pole toward the corresponding edge. For interior magnet groups, the sub-magnets are configured to present both a north pole and a south pole toward the top surface. The polarity architecture permits magnetic coupling between any edge magnet group or interior magnet group of a first magnetic playing card and any edge magnet group or interior magnet group of a second magnetic playing card, in either face-up orientation.