Modular Electronic Building System with Magnetic Interconnections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic building kits and toys are inaccessible to non-experts, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise to create interactive objects, limiting their ability to build complex electronic systems and failing to bridge the gap between basic electronics learning and real-world electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A modular electronic building system using pre-assembled printed circuit boards interconnected by magnets, allowing users to create complex circuits without programming or electronics knowledge, with modules categorized by function and designed for intuitive interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electronic building kits are used, then electronic components and circuits can be assembled, but specialized knowledge and expertise are required, making them inaccessible to non-experts

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to non-expertsVSAvoidSpecialized knowledge required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic system is divided into discrete modular blocks, each performing a specific function (e.g., power, input, output, logic). These pre-assembled modules eliminate the need for users to understand individual electronic components while maintaining full circuit functionality through magnetic connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic connectors serve as intermediaries between modules, providing both mechanical attachment and electrical connection. This intermediary mechanism abstracts away the complexity of wiring and circuit design, allowing non-experts to create functional electronic systems through simple block assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex electronic systems are created, then functional capability increases, but the difficulty and time required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComplex electronic systems creationVSAvoidAssembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic components are pre-assembled into functional modules with all necessary connections and configurations already established. Users receive ready-to-connect blocks rather than individual components, eliminating time-consuming assembly steps while enabling complex system creation through simple module combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electronic functions are merged into single modular blocks (e.g., a power module combining voltage regulation, distribution, and protection circuits). This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, decreasing assembly time while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional electronic learning tools are used, then basic electronics concepts can be taught, but they fail to bridge the gap to real-world electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRelevance to real-world devicesVSAvoidGap between learning and application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular block system creates universally applicable electronic building blocks that can be combined to replicate various real-world devices and circuits. The same set of modules can teach basic concepts while also enabling creation of complex systems similar to actual electronic devices, bridging the gap between education and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables users to construct and program interactive objects intuitively, promoting learning and innovation by making electronics accessible and relevant to everyday life, allowing for the creation of custom-designed interactive behavior without requiring advanced electronics knowledge.

Implementation Method 1

The modular block building system consists of pre-assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) interconnected by small magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10244630B2Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 SPHERO INC

AI summary

Electrical connectors, electrical modules, and systems are provided. In one aspect, an electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate the side surface of the housing. The engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector. The connector also includes a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing. In other aspects, an electrical module includes at least one of these electrical connectors. In further aspects, a system includes a plurality of these modules and the modules are selectively couplable together.