Multipart Building Block with Positive-Locking Subcomponents
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing building blocks used in construction toy sets, while strong and rigid due to materials like ABS, struggle to absorb kinetic energy effectively for complex and realistic movements, as their rigidity restricts elastic yield and potential damage prevention is economically unfeasible with alternative materials.
Innovation Solution
A multipart building block design incorporating subcomponents with positive-locking elements and tolerances to absorb kinetic energy, featuring a base body with projecting axle elements and connecting surfaces that increase friction and stability, allowing for precise assembly and appearance of a monolithic structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid material like ABS is used to ensure high strength and shape retention, then the building block maintains structural integrity and stability, but the kinetic energy absorption capability is reduced because the material cannot yield elastically
Solution Approach 1:
The building block is divided into multiple subcomponents (first subcomponent and second subcomponent) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to absorb kinetic energy through relative movement between parts while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connecting surface and positive-locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting surface between subcomponents is designed with a step structure that enables relative movement between the subcomponents. This dynamic design allows the building block to absorb kinetic energy through controlled movement between parts rather than requiring the material itself to yield elastically.
2Loss of energy
If a multipart design is introduced to absorb kinetic energy and prevent damage, then the kinetic energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building block is divided into two subcomponents that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while creating a more complex overall structure that can absorb kinetic energy through relative movement between the subcomponents.
Solution Approach 2:
The first subcomponent and second subcomponent are combined through a connecting surface with positive-locking elements. This merging approach allows the individual subcomponents to work together as a unified structure that can absorb kinetic energy, balancing the complexity of multiple parts with the functionality of a single integrated unit.
3Stability of the object's composition
If positive-locking elements are added to increase stability and prevent disassembly, then the stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting surface includes a step structure that provides a friction surface between the subcomponents. This beforehand cushioning through friction helps maintain stability during assembly and operation, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements for the positive-locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive-locking elements are designed with specific dimensional parameters (projection height of 50-95% of the step height) that optimize the balance between stability and assembly ease. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves stable connection without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision.
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 multipart design effectively absorbs kinetic energy, enhances stability, and maintains freedom of movement while appearing monolithic, addressing the limitations of rigid materials in absorbing energy and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
This step increases a friction surface between the two subcomponents, which in turn can absorb kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 2
a male positive-locking element projects from the connecting surface of one subcomponent and, in the assembled state of the base body, is inserted into a corresponding female positive-locking element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a building block (2) for a construction toy set, comprising a base body (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (6), in a transverse direction (8) transverse to the longitudinal direction (6) and in a vertical direction (10) transverse to the longitudinal direction (6) and transverse to the transverse direction (8), which is penetrated in the vertical direction (10) by a passage opening (14) and from which a first axle element (16) projects in the longitudinal direction (6) and a second axle element (18) projects in the transverse direction (8), characterized in that the base body (12) is formed from two subcomponents (4) which each hold an axle element (16, 18), wherein each subcomponent (4) comprises a connecting surface (16) for abutment against the connecting surface (16) of the corresponding other subcomponent (4), and wherein a male positive-locking element (18) projects from the connecting surface (16) of one subcomponent (4) and, in the assembled state of the base body (12), is inserted into a corresponding female positive-locking element (20) which is molded into the connecting surface (16) of the other subcomponent (4).