Modular Panel Hinge System with Semicircular Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular panel and hinge systems for children's play do not effectively allow for versatile and easy connection of multiple structures and spaces, limiting creative play and developmental stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular panel and hinge system featuring semicircular protrusions, clips, and rods that enable flexible attachment and configuration of panels at various angles, with ramp features for easy clip placement, and compatibility with building bricks, allowing for the creation of diverse structures and spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connection methods are used for modular panels, then assembly is simple, but versatility and ability to create various structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to create various structures and spacesVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: semicircular protrusions for positioning, clips for securing, and rods for hinge formation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clips serve multiple functions: they attach to semicircular protrusions for rigid connections, attach to rods for hinge formation, and can connect multiple panels together. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are provided on panel edges, then versatility of structure creation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connection configurationsVSAvoidpanel manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Semicircular protrusions are used instead of complex multi-directional connection points. The curved geometry provides multiple attachment orientations while being simple to manufacture using standard molding techniques, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If clips can be easily attached to panels, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of clip attachmentVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The semicircular protrusions are pre-formed on the panels during manufacturing, creating ready-made attachment points. This preliminary action allows clips to be easily attached by simply snapping onto the pre-positioned protrusions, maintaining both ease of operation and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The semicircular shape of the protrusions provides a geometric lock that maintains strong connections while allowing easy attachment. The curved geometry naturally guides the clip into place and provides mechanical interlocking, balancing ease of operation with connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12138561B1Modular panel and hinge system

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 BOPT INC

AI summary

A modular hinge and clip system that enhances a child's play and creates the ability to construct and build from the child's imagination.