Polygonal Surface Division Device with Multi-Layer Linkage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polygon decomposition devices are prone to bending or breaking due to articulated joints, which are unstable and not suitable for use as movable models.

Innovation Solution

The polygon components are articulated with each other to form a cyclically closed linkage, allowing relative movement parallel to the main plane, and are arranged in a single plane layer or multiple layers at different heights, with connections via hinged joints and optional magnetic connections to enhance stability and mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If polygon components are connected by joints to enable movement between different polygon shapes, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to bending or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to transform between different polygon shapesVSAvoidstability of joint connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging polygon components in multiple layers at different heights (z-dimension) rather than a single plane. This spatial reconfiguration allows components to interlock and overlap across layers, creating a more robust structure that maintains transformation capability while reducing joint vulnerability through distributed connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If polygon components are arranged in a single plane to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens due to increased bending and breakage risk at joints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural arrangement of componentsVSAvoidjoint connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-plane arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-layer configuration. Components are positioned at different heights and can overlap across layers, creating a more stable structure that distributes mechanical stresses and reduces the vulnerability of individual joints while maintaining the overall simplicity of the transformation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design increases the stability and strength of the polygon decomposition, allowing smooth transition between different polygon shapes while minimizing the risk of breaking or bending, and provides a more appealing and variable mobility mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

the polygon components (at least the predominant part) are pivotally connected to one another, thereby forming at least one cyclically closed linkage mechanism that allows relative movement of the polygon components parallel to the main plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinged joints: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

connections via hinged joints and optional magnetic connections to enhance stability and mobility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic connections: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3727621B1Device for dividing a polygonal surface
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 WIESNER PATRIK
  • EP3727621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3727621B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3727621B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a polygonal body (10) for demonstrating a division of a polygonal surface, wherein the polygonal body can be moved between two final states, in which the device assumes different polygonal shapes. The polygonal body comprises a number of polygonal components (11, 12, 13, 14) which are designed in the form of plate-like parts that are aligned parallel to the main plane of the device, and the polygonal components (11−14) are arranged so as to lie next to one another in each of the two final states without overlapping on the main plane and together form a flat shape according to the respective polygon. The polygonal components are hinged together, for example by means of hinge joints (21, 22, 23, 24), whereby at least one cyclically closed coupling mechanism is formed which allows a relative movement of the polygonal components parallel to the main plane. Here, the polygonal components are arranged in at least two plane positions (15, 16) at different heights relative to the main plane.