Modular Miniature Platforms for Group Movement and Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving large groups of miniature figures in tabletop role-playing games and wargaming is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring individual movement of each figure, and transportation is taxing, with existing magnetic solutions still needing separate handling during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A miniature movement system comprising modular platforms with center cavities and magnet-reactive metal plates that allow figures to be easily coupled together, enabling groups to be moved as a unit, using magnetic interactions for attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual figures are moved one at a time, then each figure can be precisely positioned, but moving large groups becomes extremely time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual figures with a shared base into a single integrated unit called a 'modular platform.' This allows multiple figures to be moved simultaneously as one group rather than individually, dramatically increasing the speed of deployment while maintaining precise positioning capability through the shared magnetic attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the figure group into modular platforms that can be independently assembled and moved. Each platform contains a specific subset of figures that can be quickly deployed together, then separated and reconfigured as needed. This segmentation enables efficient batch movement while preserving the flexibility to reposition individual figures when required.
2Reliability
If magnets are affixed to individual figures for transportation, then figures can be securely held in carrying cases, but individual handling is still required during gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple figures onto a single shared base with a common magnetic attachment mechanism. This allows all figures on the platform to be secured and transported together as one unit, and subsequently deployed simultaneously during gameplay, eliminating the need to handle each figure separately while maintaining secure attachment through the magnetic system.
3Manufacturing precision
If figures are moved individually, then precise positioning is achieved, but figures are easily knocked over and displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple figures onto a shared stable base platform, providing mutual support and stability. The larger base area and distributed weight distribution make the figure group more resistant to being knocked over or displaced compared to individual figures, while the magnetic attachment mechanism maintains precise positioning of each figure on the platform.
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
Facilitates easy grouping and movement of multiple figures simultaneously, reducing handling time and preventing displacement during gameplay, while allowing seamless transportation.
Implementation Method 1
magnet-reactive metal plates that allow figures to be easily coupled together, enabling groups to be moved as a unit, using magnetic interactions for attachment and detachment
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature movement system that includes a plurality of modular platforms and a plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates. Each modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms includes a plurality of sides defining a center cavity. Each magnet-reactive metal plate of the plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates is configured to be received in the center cavity of a respective modular platform. A first modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms is configured to be removably coupled to at least a second modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms.