Magnetic Dominoes with Multi-Zone Segmented Magnet Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic dominos sets can only maintain a stable line of play by attaching to a ferrous metallic surface, failing to connect magnetically on their sides and ends, limiting gameplay stability when not on such a surface.
Innovation Solution
Magnetic domino pieces with hollow spaces containing magnets that allow connection end to end, side to side, and side to end, in addition to ferrous metallic surfaces, using neodymium magnets and plugs to facilitate magnetic interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnets are placed at the back face of domino pieces to attach to ferrous metallic surfaces, then the line of play stability is improved, but the ability to connect magnetically between pieces on sides and ends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each domino piece into multiple magnetic zones by placing separate magnets at each end and along the sides of the piece. This segmentation allows different parts of the domino to perform different magnetic functions - ends connect to other ends, sides connect to sides, enabling versatile magnetic connections while maintaining overall line stability through distributed magnetic attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The domino pieces are designed with magnets positioned to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they can attach to ferrous metallic surfaces for stable line of play, connect end-to-end with other dominos, and connect side-to-side for branching plays. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same magnetic system adaptable to various connection scenarios
2Ease of manufacture
If magnets are positioned only at the back face for surface attachment, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but gameplay versatility on non-ferrous surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex magnetic assembly, the patent uses multiple simple magnets placed at standardized positions (ends and sides) during manufacturing. This segmented approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling the domino pieces to function on various surfaces including non-ferrous surfaces, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and gameplay versatility
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
Enables stable and versatile gameplay by allowing magnetic connections on all sides and surfaces, enhancing gameplay stability and versatility beyond traditional ferrous metallic surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
each of said hollow spaces comprising one magnet; said hollow spaces being sufficiently larger than said magnets to allow said magnets to move inside said hollow spaces when attracted to a magnet of a different domino piece in said set, or a ferrous metal
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic dominos game set with pieces that magnetically connect end to end, side to side and side to end, and methods for manufacturing and playing magnetic dominos.