Modular Cube Building Block with T-Channel Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building block systems lack the structural integrity to support complex three-dimensional assemblies and do not facilitate the construction of stable connections over large distances, limiting their ability to create intricate and suspended structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular cube building block system featuring cubes with T-shaped undercuts and fin connections that allow for stable attachment to heavy objects, enabling cantilevered constructions and multiple connection points, allowing for infinite configurations and stable connections over distances by sliding and interlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional building blocks use a simplistic interconnection mechanism, then the structure is easy to manufacture and assemble, but the connection strength is too weak for larger assemblies and cannot support complex three-dimensional structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cube is divided into multiple connection points (six possible connections per side: four corners and two center lines), allowing distributed load bearing across multiple weak points rather than relying on a single strong connection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The fin connection system nests within the cube structure, with fins extending from the cube faces and corresponding undercuts recessed into the cube body, creating a compact interlocking mechanism that maximizes connection strength without increasing overall block size
2Ease of operation
If conventional building blocks use a simplistic interconnection mechanism, then the assembly process is simple, but the blocks cannot facilitate the construction of complex three-dimensional assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The same fin-and-undercut connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables corner connections, centerline connections, and cantilevered structures, allowing a single design principle to support diverse three-dimensional configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system extends into the third dimension with cantilevered fins that reach beyond the cube faces, enabling connections that span gaps and create suspended three-dimensional structures rather than limited two-dimensional stacking
3Stability of the object's composition
If blocks can connect with multiple connection points, then the structural stability and connection distance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cube have specialized connection features: corner regions have fins for angular connections while centerline regions have fins for linear extensions, allowing each local area to optimize its connection type without requiring different overall mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cube building block system is disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a modular cube building block comprising: a coupler including a coupler channel formed between a plurality of fins; and a plurality of nodes integrated or attached with the coupler, the plurality of nodes being cubes arranged in orthogonal rows and columns, a space between the plurality of nodes defining a T-channel configured to capture a coupler of a different modular cube building block, the coupler channel configured to capture a node group of a different modular cube building block.