Modular Block System With Staggered Data Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic block systems for teaching and toys are limited by a fixed number of signal lines on the circuit board, restrictive magnet placement, and high manufacturing costs due to exposed magnets and side-by-side conductive connector arrangements, which restrict the expansion of functions and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular block system with input and output connectors featuring varying numbers of data signal conductive terminals, protected magnetically attractive elements within an insulating cavity, and staggered terminal placement to reduce space requirements and enhance connectivity, allowing for flexible function expansion and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit board is provided with three groups of signal lines (positive power line, data signal line, and negative power line), then the basic electrical connection is achieved, but the expansive usage of data signal lines is limited and more functions cannot be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows dynamic configuration of data signal terminals, where the number of data signal conductive terminals can differ between input and output connectors. This enables flexible adaptation to different functional requirements without being constrained by a fixed three-line configuration, allowing the system to expand from basic power/connection functions to more complex data processing applications.
2Force
If multiple magnets are installed in accommodating grooves on the insulating body, then magnetic attraction force is provided for connecting blocks, but the placement requirements on magnet poles are high and manufacture costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is extracted from the traditional accommodating groove design and repositioned to be directly embedded in the insulating main body. This simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for precise groove placement and multiple magnet arrangements, while maintaining sufficient magnetic attraction force for block connection.
3Force
If multiple magnets are directly exposed on the coupling surface, then magnetic connection is achieved, but the magnets are easily oxidized and damaged due to hand contact and collision
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is nested within the insulating main body rather than being exposed on the coupling surface. This protective embedding shields the magnet from oxidation, hand contact, and collision damage, while the magnetic force still effectively acts on adjacent blocks through the insulating material.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conductive connectors are arranged on the insulating body side by side, then relevant functions are achieved, but space requirements are high and expansion of more conductive connectors is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive connectors are arranged in a staggered pattern rather than side by side, utilizing two-dimensional space more efficiently. This staggered arrangement reduces the overall coupling surface area required while allowing for expansion of additional conductive connectors without proportionally increasing space requirements.
5Ease of operation
If conductive connectors are arranged side by side on the insulating body, then connection functions are achieved, but manufacturing processing is difficult and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The staggered arrangement of conductive connectors optimizes the spatial layout, reducing the overall footprint and simplifying the manufacturing process. This arrangement requires less precise alignment during assembly and reduces material waste, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full connection functionality.
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
The modular block system enables expanded data signal line usage, reduces manufacturing costs, protects magnets, and allows for more complex functions and applications, while maintaining precise and stable connections.
Implementation Method 1
one of the plurality of electronic block modules includes a magnetically attractive element for attracting the adjacent electronic block module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A modular block, comprising a circuit board (1), a functional circuit (2) disposed on the circuit board (1), an input connector (3) and an output connector (4). The input connector (3) and the output connector (4) are both provided with a plurality of conductive terminals (5) connected to the circuit board (1). The plurality of conductive terminals (5) are a positive power conductive terminal, a negative power conductive terminal and a data signal conductive terminal respectively. At least one of the input connector (3) and the output connector (4) is provided with a plurality of the data signal conductive terminals. Also provided is an electronic block system. The input connector (3) and the output connector (4) of the modular block can be provided with one or more data signal conductive terminals according to actual needs, data signal lines can be expanded for use, and the modular block has more functions and applications.