Multilayered Toy Assemblies With Adjustable Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing constructible toy models are either too complex and time-consuming to assemble, lack durability, or offer limited mobility, failing to provide a balance between ease of construction, durability, and dynamic poseability.

Innovation Solution

The development of multilayered model assemblies composed of planar layer pieces with perpendicular bores, connected using adjustable connectors that allow for rotational movement and secure positioning, enabling the creation of durable, dynamic, and poseable three-dimensional models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If slotted plywood designs are used, then ease of construction is improved, but durability deteriorates because pieces are loosely slotted together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of constructionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The model is divided into multiple planar layer pieces that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. Each layer maintains structural integrity while allowing easy assembly through perpendicular bores that align across layers, enabling simple construction without compromising durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple layer pieces are nested together through aligned perpendicular bores, creating a stable multi-layer structure. The layers are positioned in alignment so that a single connector penetrates the bores of multiple layers, providing both ease of assembly and structural durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If solid wooden toys are used, then durability is improved, but mobility deteriorates because they are one dimensional and have limited rotation around a single axis

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from single-axis rotation to multi-axis rotation by arranging layer pieces in multiple parallel planes with perpendicular bores. Connectors extend through these bores, enabling rotation around multiple axes simultaneously, thus providing three-dimensional mobility while maintaining the durability of solid wood construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The model incorporates adjustable connectors that allow rotational movement between layer pieces. The connectors can be adjusted to provide a clamping action that impedes or prevents rotation when needed, while still allowing dynamic posing and multi-axis movement, creating a durable yet versatile structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If plastic toys are used, then mobility is improved with greater ranges of motion, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates due to intricate molding dies required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The model is segmented into multiple planar layer pieces that can be manufactured using simple cutting processes rather than complex molding. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing while maintaining mobility through the multi-layer, multi-axis connector system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction with multiple layer pieces connected by separate connector elements. This composite approach simplifies manufacturing compared to single-piece plastic molding, as each layer can be cut independently and assembled with standardized connectors, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while preserving mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If complex self-assembled toy products are used, then durability is improved, but construction time deteriorates as they are complex and time-consuming to complete

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The layer pieces are pre-cut from planar sheets with perpendicular bores already positioned for alignment. This preliminary preparation of bores and profiles allows for rapid assembly without complex construction steps, reducing construction time while maintaining the durability of precisely fitted wooden components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors serve multiple functions: they join layer pieces together, enable rotation around multiple axes, and can be adjusted to provide clamping action. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different components needed, simplifying the assembly process and reducing construction time while ensuring durable construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12303802B2Multilayered model assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ZOOTILITY CO

AI summary

Toy model assemblies of multiple planar layer pieces mechanically fastened together with adjustable connectors. Models incorporating the multilayered assemblies can be made to hold their position when the adjustable connectors are tightened. The layer pieces have profiles that represent specific model components some of which rotate about a perpendicular connector in parallel planes. Stratified layer assemblies capturing a specialized connector provide rotation on an axis in the same plane as capturing layers. The model layer pieces are preferably all the same thickness and cut from sheets of quality plywood.