Universal Modular Marble Course System Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marble course systems are limited in complexity and versatility due to rigid connection requirements and lack of universal attachments, restricting users to building courses only on specific surfaces and structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular marble course system with universal connectors that allow tracks to be mounted on vertical surfaces, featuring a unilateral construction and a variety of attachments such as stair-shaped, flexible, and spiral tracks, enabling courses to be built on multiple surfaces and planes with increased complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dual rail systems with direct connection requirements are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and limited connectivity options worsen the ability to build complex courses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal connector system with male and female connectors that can connect any track piece to any other component (tracks, launchers, receivers) regardless of orientation or type. This universal interface resolves the contradiction by providing unlimited connectivity options while maintaining stable connections through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the marble course system into modular segments with standardized connectors at each end. Each track piece, launcher, and receiver becomes an independent module that can be freely assembled and reconfigured. This segmentation enables complex course designs while maintaining structural stability through consistent connection points.
2Ease of manufacture
If tracks are required to be directly connected to each other, then construction simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stationary connectors as intermediary components that attach to vertical surfaces and provide connection points for track pieces. These mediators enable the course to be mounted on various surfaces (walls, refrigerators, boards) without requiring direct track-to-track connection, thus providing environmental adaptability while maintaining construction simplicity through standardized attachment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If limited attachment components are provided, then system simplicity is improved, but course complexity and customization options worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector design allows a single standardized component to serve multiple functions: connecting tracks to tracks, tracks to launchers, tracks to receivers, and mounting to surfaces. This multi-functionality enables high course complexity and customization options without increasing the number of different component types, thus maintaining system simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a modular marble course system with universal connectors among the components which can be mounted upon a vertical surface, has a large number of attachments, and which utilizes a unilateral construction for among the tracks, is disclosed. In combination, the features of present embodiments may permit a user to build a large number of customized and modular marble courses on substantially any vertical surface, and across multiple vertical surfaces in different planes. The system may include a variety of linear and non-linear tracks, including tracks which span around corners, smoothly move from one vertical level to the next, and which can be rotated to move a marble upwards. The system may further include unique trick attachments such as cannons, catapults, rotating attachments which pivot about an axis, and other attachments.