Modular Play Assembly With Tool-Free Slide Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional recreational slides lack customization options and are difficult to store due to their single-unit or complex construction, making logistics and user setup challenging.

Innovation Solution

A modular play assembly with detachable slide and support units featuring locator cavities and protruding elements for easy connection, allowing for customization with interchangeable accessories and efficient storage without fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If slides are manufactured as single unit or complex multi-part constructions, then structural stability is improved, but storage difficulty and logistics complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slide is divided into multiple modular components including slide sections, support units, and accessories that can be detached and stored separately. Each module maintains structural integrity through precision-machined connection interfaces with locating cavities and protruding elements, enabling stable reconstruction while facilitating easy storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If slides have standard appearance and single purpose design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but user customization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The slide system employs universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting points that allow a single base structure to support multiple different accessories and configurations. Users can attach various slide sections, themes, and features to the same support unit, enabling customization without requiring multiple specialized structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If slides require fixtures and tools for assembly, then connection strength is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system incorporates self-aligning locating cavities and protruding elements that guide components into proper position during assembly, along with self-latching mechanisms that secure connections without requiring external tools or fixtures. The design ensures strong, reliable connections through friction-fit interfaces and mechanical interlocking features that engage automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4670810A1Modular play apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 RW BV
  • EP4670810A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4670810A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4670810A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of recreational play assemblies, in particular to a play assembly (100) comprising a slide unit (1) and a support unit (12) and optionally a cover unit (30).