Polygonal 3D Building Blocks with Slanted Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assemblable building blocks lack stability during assembly and offer limited shape variation due to their planar magnetic designs, restricting the diversity and security of 3D formations.

Innovation Solution

A polygonal 3D building block design featuring slanted abutment side walls with magnetic attachment areas and electromagnets, controlled by a circuit module for remote assembly and shape manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If planar magnetic building blocks are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the shape variation and diversity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape variationVSAvoidblock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar 2D magnetic blocks to three-dimensional polygonal blocks with slanted surfaces. This dimensional change enables the blocks to form various 3D geometric shapes (tetrahedrons, octahedrons, icosahedrons) while maintaining magnetic attachment capabilities, thereby significantly increasing shape variation and structural diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The building blocks feature asymmetric slanted surfaces rather than symmetric flat surfaces. This asymmetry in the surface geometry allows for more varied attachment orientations and configurations, enabling diverse 3D formations while the magnetic members maintain consistent attachment functionality across different surface angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If traditional stacking and mounting methods are used, then the assembly process is simple, but the assembled blocks cannot be secured firmly and tend to fall off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical stacking and mounting methods with magnetic attachment. Electromagnetic forces provide secure holding power that prevents blocks from falling off during assembly, significantly improving assembly stability and reliability while allowing for easier assembly and disassembly compared to mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of electromagnets introduces dynamic control to the attachment mechanism. The magnetic field can be activated or deactivated to control attachment and detachment, providing both secure holding during assembly and easy reconfiguration when needed, thus achieving both stability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If polygonal 3D building blocks with slanted surfaces are used, then diverse 3D shapes can be formed, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D shape formationVSAvoidblock production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex polygonal 3D blocks are segmented into modular components: a base structure with standardized magnetic attachment areas and slanted surface sections. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled into various 3D shapes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining shape diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The building blocks are designed with universal features including standardized magnetic attachment areas that function across all block types and orientations. The slanted surfaces are designed with consistent geometric parameters that allow the same manufacturing processes to produce blocks suitable for forming multiple different 3D shapes, thereby easing manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 secure and versatile 3D shape assembly with enhanced stability and diversity, allowing for various polygonal formations and remote control of assembly configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of magnetic members M are installed on the main body 10 at a plurality of magnetic attachment areas B

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of magnetic members B being electromagnets, and a control circuit module 50 electrically connected to the plurality of magnetic members M

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS12257526B2Assemblable polygonal three-dimensional building blocks

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 HSU HAO-HSUAN

AI summary

A polygonal three-dimensional building blocks comprises: a main body having a central area and at least three abutment side walls, the central area located among the abutment side walls; the abutment side walls connected to each other in a ring shape and having a slanted surface respectively, each one of the abutment side walls having a first side edge and a second side edge respectively, the first side edge and the second side edge arranged at two opposite sides of each one of the abutment side wall, the central area located between the first side edges of the abutment side walls, the abutment side walls having an inner surface and an outer abutment surface opposite from each other; the main body having a plurality of magnetic attachment areas; a plurality of magnetic members installed at the magnetic attachment areas.