Modular Toy Play Sets With Friction Base Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a physical toy system that mimics the appearance and gameplay of digital sandbox video games, allowing users to create and explore a three-dimensional virtual world in a physical format, providing a non-screen alternative for interactive play.
Innovation Solution
A modular toy play system comprising interchangeable bases with protrusions and base connectors, enabling users to combine multiple toy play sets with different features and configurations, replicating the digital game environment and gameplay mechanics in a physical setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple toy play sets are connected to expand the play area, then the play area is increased, but the stability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base connector is divided into multiple coupling structures (at least two coupling structures with coupling elements) that can independently engage with protrusions on different toy play sets. This segmentation allows the connector to distribute connection forces across multiple points, maintaining stability while enabling expansion of the play area by connecting multiple sets together.
Solution Approach 2:
The base connector merges multiple coupling structures into a single component that can simultaneously connect multiple toy play sets. By combining multiple coupling elements in one connector, the system achieves both area expansion and connection stability, as the merged structure provides multiple engagement points for secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-configuration toy play sets are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different play scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toy play system is segmented into separate, interchangeable components: toy play sets with standardized protrusions and base connectors with standardized coupling structures. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple, fixed configurations, while the standardized interfaces enable high adaptability when assembling different combinations for various play scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The base connector is designed as a universal component with multiple coupling structures that can connect to any toy play set with compatible protrusions. This universality allows a single connector design to serve multiple functions and configurations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling great versatility in play area arrangement and expansion.
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
The system allows for a wide variety of play configurations, enabling users to recreate the digital game experience in a physical format, promoting interactive play and reducing screen time while providing a versatile and engaging play environment.
Implementation Method 1
At least a first coupling structure of the at least two coupling structures may frictionally engage a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
Toy play systems are disclosed. A toy play system may include a first toy play set having a first base. The first base may include opposed upper and lower sides, the upper side may include at least one play feature and the lower side may include a plurality of protrusions. The toy play system may further include a base connector which may have at least two coupling structures. At least a first coupling structure of the at least two coupling structures may frictionally engage a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. At least a second coupling structure of the at least two coupling structures may frictionally engage a second toy play set.