Modular Electronic Toy Modules with Contactless Position Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular toy systems require advanced technical knowledge and abstract thinking to configure assemblies with functional behavior, limiting user-friendly flexibility and educational/entertaining value.

Innovation Solution

A modular toy system with electronic modules that detect relative position and orientation contactlessly, using sensors like electromagnetic coils and magnetometers to control function devices without mechanical or electrical connections, allowing users to assemble and control toy behavior intuitively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication and sensor systems are integrated into each toy module, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and controlVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent toy modules, each equipped with its own sensor system and control circuit. This segmentation allows each module to operate autonomously while maintaining simple individual structures, resolving the contradiction between system flexibility and component complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each toy module is designed as a universal unit that can perform multiple functions: it contains both sensor capabilities for detecting other modules and control capabilities for executing functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor and actuator modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If contactless sensor systems are used to detect position and orientation, then ease of operation and freedom of construction are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom to construct modelsVSAvoidenergy consumption of sensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system operates periodically rather than continuously, detecting positions and orientations only when needed for control decisions. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining the freedom to construct models in various configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical connection systems with contactless electromagnetic sensor systems for detecting position and orientation. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wiring between modules, granting complete freedom in model construction while using energy-efficient electromagnetic fields for detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors and control circuits are integrated into each module, then functionality and interactivity are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional behavior of assembliesVSAvoidprecision of sensor and circuit integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each toy module is designed to be self-contained with integrated sensors and control circuits that automatically detect and adapt to their environment. The modules self-configure when assembled, eliminating the need for precise manual configuration and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining rich functional behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables user-friendly assembly and control of interactive toy models with rich functionality and flexibility, eliminating the need for complex wiring and technical insight.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor system is configured for contactless detection of respective coordinate values of at least two coordinates... using sensors like electromagnetic coils and magnetometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using sensors like electromagnetic coils and magnetometers to control function devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3917635B1A modular toy system with electronic toy modules

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 LEGO AS

Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A modular toy system comprising a plurality of separate electronic toy modules, each electronic toy module comprising a function device operable to perform a user-perceptible function and a control circuit for controlling the function device; wherein at least a first electronic toy module of the plurality of electronic toy modules comprises a first control circuit, a first function device and a sensor system configured for contactless detection of respective coordinate values of at least two coordinates, each coordinate being indicative of a position or an orientation of at least a second electronic toy module of the plurality of electronic toy modules relative to the first electronic toy module; and wherein the first control circuit is configured to control operation of the first function device based on one or more of the detected coordinate values.