Modular Toy Assembly System with Interchangeable Posts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy construction sets, such as Erector and LEGO, while allowing for framework design, lack creative input for customizing the final toy structure, limiting user creativity beyond the framework construction.
Innovation Solution
A modular toy assembly system with interchangeable components like bases, posts, and caps that allow for the creation of various frameworks and the use of covering materials to enhance the toy's physical form, enabling users to customize the structure and appearance of the constructed toys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional toy construction sets (Erector, LEGO) are used to build frameworks, then the framework structure can be designed, but the ability to customize and add features to the toy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The toy construction set is divided into two distinct component types: framework components (for structural support) and feature components (for customization). This segmentation allows users to first build the framework and then add specific features independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling customization without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework components are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of feature components. This multi-functionality allows the same framework structure to support various customization options, increasing adaptability while maintaining structural consistency and avoiding excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more customization features are added to toy construction sets, then creative input and personalization increase, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating framework components from feature components, the system allows unlimited creative customization through feature components without requiring an equivalent increase in framework components. Users can add as many feature components as desired to a single framework, enabling high creativity without proportionally increasing the total component quantity needed for the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Feature components are designed to attach to and nest upon the framework structure, allowing multiple layers of customization. This nesting approach enables numerous feature components to be added to a relatively small set of framework components, increasing creative possibilities without linearly increasing the total number of components required.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a modular toy assembly system featuring one or more bases and a plurality of posts. Coupled to recessed connectors of the base, the plurality of posts includes a first end connector and a second end connector for coupling to different bases to provide depth of the toy. The posts include a first elongated body element and a second elongated body element interposed and extending between the first end connector and the second end connector. The first elongated body element and the second elongated body element are oriented to produce (i) a first slot between a first side of first elongated body element and a first side of the second elongated body element and (ii) a second slot between a second side of first elongated body element and a second side of the second elongated body element.