Marble Run Channel Block With Offset Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marble run systems lack stability and flexibility in construction methods, which affects the fun and functionality of the play experience.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a channel building block with laterally offset coupling sections at both ends, allowing for improved attachment to underlying and additional modules, enhancing stability and enabling the creation of stable bridges and flexible structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If coupling sections are integrated into the channel module, then structural stability is significantly improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sections are integrated directly into the channel module, merging the coupling function with the channel structure. This eliminates the need for separate coupling mechanisms and significantly improves structural stability while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural stability for the channel module, enable connection to underlying building blocks via coupling holes, and allow attachment of additional blocks via coupling studs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If coupling holes are provided laterally offset from the marble run, then hold on underlying building block is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling holes are positioned at specific lateral offsets from the marble run at the coupling sections, creating localized connection points that optimize the hold on underlying building blocks. This localized positioning approach improves stability without requiring high precision across the entire channel module.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel module is segmented into distinct coupling sections at the ends and a central section in between. The coupling holes are concentrated in the coupling sections, allowing precision to be focused on specific areas rather than the entire structure, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling sections have lower height, then several chute building blocks can be connected without vertical protrusion, but coupling strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing coupling strength through greater vertical height, the design uses lateral offset coupling sections that extend beyond the sides of the channel. This shifts the coupling mechanism to a different spatial dimension, allowing multiple blocks to connect compactly vertically while maintaining coupling strength through lateral distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling sections are positioned at the ends of the channel module in advance, with coupling holes and studs pre-configured for connection. This preliminary positioning allows several chute building blocks to be connected without vertical protrusion while ensuring adequate coupling strength through proper placement before assembly.
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 design significantly increases the structural stability and flexibility of marble runs, allowing for more complex and stable constructions while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling holes are designed to clamp and frictionally receive coupling studs similar to the coupling studs of the channel building block.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5B
Figure 6A~8B
AI summary
The invention proposes blocks for a marble run and also a marble run (10) having such blocks. The invention proposes here, in particular, a channel block (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330, 370, 380, 390) for coupling to further, correspondingly configured blocks of the marble run (10), wherein, for this purpose, it has coupling protuberances and coupling holes so that the blocks are connected to one another with force-fitting clamping action. This channel block (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330, 370, 380, 390) has a marble channel (72) with a first channel end (74A) and a second channel end (74B), and at both channel ends (74A, 74B), in a manner laterally offset in relation to the marble channel (72), it has coupling portions (70), each provided with at least one coupling protuberance (80) and/or at least one coupling hole (82). Between the channel ends (74A, 74B), the channel block (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330, 370, 380, 390) has a central part (76) between the coupling portions (70) at the ends, said central part being free of coupling protuberances and preferably free of coupling holes.