Polyhedral Block Coupling via Sliding and Rotating Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional assembly block coupling structures limit the degree of freedom in assembly by only allowing vertical coupling and are prone to easy disengagement, and do not accommodate blocks of different sizes.

Innovation Solution

A coupling structure featuring first and second coupling members on the outer surfaces of polyhedral assembly blocks, allowing sliding, fitting, or rotating connections, with grooves and protrusions designed to accommodate various shapes and sizes, enabling secure coupling in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling stud and coupling groove structure is used, then assembly blocks can be coupled vertically, but the coupling is easily released and horizontal coupling is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidcoupling direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into separate coupling members (protrusions and recesses) that can be independently positioned on different faces of the assembly blocks, allowing both vertical and horizontal coupling while maintaining stability through distributed contact points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling members are designed with universal geometry that enables them to function in multiple coupling directions (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) while maintaining the same reliable connection mechanism, allowing a single design to serve multiple coupling purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If coupling members are formed on multiple outer surfaces, then coupling versatility is improved, but the structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling direction flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are positioned asymmetrically on different faces of the polyhedral blocks, with each face having coupling members arranged to optimize coupling in specific directions while maintaining overall structural simplicity through repeated modular patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling members feature nested geometry where protrusions fit into recesses with tapered or stepped surfaces, allowing one component to be partially inserted into another, which simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11701598B2Structure for coupling assembly blocks

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 CREAMO INC

AI summary

A structure for coupling assembly blocks of a polyhedral shape formed of a plurality of side plates, a top plate, and a bottom plate, includes a first coupling member formed on a portion of at least one of the plurality of side plates, the top plate, and the bottom plate and a second coupling member formed on a portion of at least one of the plurality of side plates, the top plate, and the bottom plate other than one on which the first coupling member is formed. The first coupling member of one assembly block is configured to couple with the second coupling member of other assembly block in a sliding manner, in a fitting manner, or in a rotating manner.