Modular Pathway System With Multi-Entrance Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular systems lack the ability to create complex pathways with multiple entrances and exits, limiting their versatility in transporting spherical objects and providing randomness in pathway selection.

Innovation Solution

A system of interconnectable modular members with varying shapes and forms, featuring multiple entrances and exits, allowing for convergence and divergence possibilities, and utilizing different joinery systems for alignment and coupling, such as U-joints and friction joints, to create complex three-dimensional pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing modular systems are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pathway complexity and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathway complexityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pathway into multiple modular members, each with standardized connection interfaces. Each member can be independently manufactured and then assembled into complex three-dimensional pathways, resolving the contradiction between pathway complexity and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each modular member is designed with universal connection features (male/female connectors) that allow the same component type to serve multiple functions in different positions within the pathway system. This enables complex pathways to be built from standardized, easily manufactured components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple entrances and exits are added to modular members, then the pathway versatility and convergence possibilities increase, but the member design complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvergence possibilitiesVSAvoidmember design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The member design segments the connection interfaces into standardized male and female connectors that can be repeatedly used across multiple entrances and exits. This modular interface design allows complex multi-entrance members to be manufactured using the same connection components, reducing design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors are designed with asymmetric male/female pairing that simplifies the manufacturing process while enabling multiple connection points. The asymmetric design ensures proper alignment and reduces the variety of unique components needed, making multi-entrance members easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If vertical staggering and offset configurations are implemented, then the pathway randomness and three-dimensional complexity increase, but the alignment precision and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathway randomnessVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into male and female components with complementary geometries that provide self-aligning features. This segmentation allows vertical staggering and offset configurations to be assembled with inherent alignment guidance, reducing the precision requirements for manufacturing individual members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male/female connector interface acts as an intermediary that mediates the alignment between vertically staggered members. The connector geometry provides the necessary alignment tolerance and guidance, allowing random pathway configurations to be assembled without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If joinery systems like U-joints and friction joints are used, then the coupling strength and pathway stability increase, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathway stabilityVSAvoidjoinery system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joinery system merges multiple connection functions into unified male/female connector components. The connectors integrate coupling, alignment, and locking functions into single elements, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining pathway stability through the combined action of multiple joinery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The male/female connectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical coupling, ensuring alignment, and creating stable joints. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate joinery components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability and pathway stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20210362070A1Interconnecting modular pathway apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.11.25 Q BA MAZE INC

AI summary

The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.