Modular Construction Components With Biasing Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular construction systems lack flexibility and customization options for building diverse structures with lifelike details, and often result in repetitive patterns due to limited connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system features unique structural assembly components with closed-end cavities and inclined ramps, combined with double-ended male connectors that deflect and re-extend to securely lock within the cavities, allowing for various orientations and easy assembly/disassembly, and includes multiple connector types to accommodate different textures and building styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection mechanisms are used, then assembly is simple, but flexibility and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male connector portions and female cavity portions that can be independently designed and manufactured. The male connector has distinct legs that can be independently biased, allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector legs are designed with biasing elements that allow them to dynamically change position - extending outward during insertion and then retracting to lock into the cavity. This dynamic behavior enables the connection mechanism to adapt during assembly while maintaining structural integrity in the final assembled state.
2Reliability
If male connectors with extended legs are used, then secure locking is achieved, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing elements pre-load the connector legs in an extended position, storing elastic potential energy that will be released during insertion. This beforehand preparation ensures that the legs are ready to flex inward as they encounter resistance during insertion, cushioning the impact and facilitating smooth entry into the female cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector legs change their physical state from an extended locked position to a retracted insertion position through controlled elastic deformation. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both secure locking (when extended) and easy insertion (when retracted), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are used, then textural diversity is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector and female cavity design incorporates multiple functional features within a single basic structure. The connector can engage with different cavity orientations and configurations, allowing one connector type to serve multiple functions and create various textural effects without requiring entirely different connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector legs and cavity features are designed with asymmetric geometries that allow the same connector type to engage with cavities in different orientations. This asymmetry enables textural diversity through varied engagement configurations rather than through multiple distinct connector types, reducing overall system complexity.
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 approach enables users to create a wide array of customized structures with realistic material details and varied textures, offering both secure locking and easy disassembly, enhancing the versatility and aesthetic diversity of built models and toys.
Implementation Method 1
the legs are slidably receivable within either the first female cavity or the second female cavity so as to deflect opposite their bias along the inclined ramp, and to biasedly re-extend into the retaining section upon being received past the ramp
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular construction system and method of assembly designed to provide the user with the flexibility to build a wide array of customized buildings and other similar items, while offering lifelike detail of construction materials in those items. The system and method include a number of stackable unique part shapes which may be used in different orientations to construct a building, partial building, sculpture, or other item. The pieces have an integrated system for attaching to one another, which is designed so that pieces may be oriented a number of different ways relative to one another, for example, in order to minimize the chance of pattern repetition in the texture of the walls of the final structure. The structural pieces of the product may contain only female receptacles for attachment. Attachment may be accomplished by inserting a double ended male piece into each of two abutting female receptacles. In some variations, the male and female pieces may be designed to lock together so that pieces do not separate unintentionally. In other variations, the receptacles may be designed without the locking mechanism so as to make deconstruction of certain portions of the structure easier (e.g., for use in game and other play requiring regular assembly and disassembly).