Magnetic Coupler Clips for Versatile Block Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building sets, including magnetic blocks, are limited in their ability to construct realistic structures like post and beam configurations, as connections are often restricted to specific locations, limiting the complexity and stability of the structures built by children and others.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of magnetic coupling clips with frictional engagement capabilities allows for the connection of non-magnetic blocks in various configurations, enabling the formation of robust structures by allowing clips to be placed anywhere along the sides or ends of blocks, providing a high degree of freedom in placement and enabling magnetic coupling between clips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic blocks are used for building, then magnetic coupling between blocks is achieved, but the ability to construct realistic structures like post and beam configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural configuration capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic coupler acts as an intermediary component between blocks, featuring a magnetic element for magnetic coupling and a non-magnetic element with a channel for mechanical engagement. This mediator enables both magnetic attachment and stable structural configurations like post and beam constructions by combining magnetic force with physical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If connections are restricted to specific locations on blocks, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the complexity and stability of structures that can be built are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement freedomVSAvoidcoupler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is segmented into distinct magnetic and non-magnetic elements, with the non-magnetic element containing a channel structure. This segmentation allows the magnetic component to be positioned anywhere on the block surface while the channel provides stable mechanical engagement, thereby increasing placement freedom without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If gravity is the only force acting on stacked blocks, then simplicity is maintained, but stacking configurations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking configuration varietyVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pure gravitational stacking with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The magnetic element in the coupler provides magnetic attraction force that supplements and replaces gravity-dependent stacking, enabling blocks to be connected in various configurations including horizontal and angled arrangements that would be impossible with gravity alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances the structural integrity and versatility of building sets, allowing for the creation of complex structures like arches, bridges, and trusses, which can be lifted without collapsing, while maintaining stability and ease of use for children.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic element configured to magnetically couple to the magnetic element in another coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a non-magnetic element including a channel open at opposite ends, the channel having a width that is substantially equal to the thickness of a block that is receivable and frictionally retained within the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10398998B2Toy couplers including a plurality of block retaining channels

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 BUILDING CREATIVE KIDS LLC

AI summary

Building sets including a plurality of blocks and a plurality of clips configured to engage a thickness of one or more of the blocks. Each clip includes a base and first and second substantially parallel extensions extending from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which a thickness of a block is receivable. The width of the channel is substantially equal to and slightly less than the thickness of the block receivable within the channel so that the thickness is frictionally retained therein. The clip may include a magnet enclosed within the base so that the base of a first clip may be magnetically coupled to the base of another clip, and each clip may in turn be frictionally coupled to a block received between the extensions of the respective clip. In one embodiment, the clip includes a plurality of channels.