Programmable Construction Toy Connectors with Dynamic State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction toys lack connectors with multiple predefined transformable states and programmable control, limiting their ability to assist or challenge users and provide varied play experiences.
Innovation Solution
A construction toy system featuring controllable connectors that can be remotely or programmatically adjusted between different connectivity states, including male, female, and neutral states, allowing for dynamic connection management and interaction with a host computer device to enhance play value and learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional construction toys use fixed connectors, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the play value is limited and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable components that can dynamically change between male, female, and neutral states. This dynamic capability allows the same connector to adapt to different connection scenarios, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by making the structure changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's connectivity parameters (male/female/neutral states) can be changed through actuation mechanisms. By enabling parameter changes in the connector design, the system achieves multiple predefined transformable states without requiring multiple different connector types, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If construction toys lack programmable control, then the device is simpler to operate, but the ability to assist or challenge users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect connector states and automatically determines appropriate connectivity configurations. This self-service capability allows the toy to autonomously manage connector states based on detected conditions, providing assisted play without requiring complex manual programming from users.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors provide feedback about connector states and connection configurations to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adaptively adjust connector states based on real-time conditions, creating challenging and varied play experiences while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors have multiple predefined transformable states, then the play value and learning potential increase, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single connector design incorporates multiple functions (male, female, and neutral states) through integrated actuation mechanisms. This universal design approach allows one connector type to perform multiple connection functions, improving adaptability while avoiding the need to manufacture and manage multiple different connector variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the connector body, actuation mechanisms, and sensing capabilities into an integrated assembly. By merging these components into a unified structure, the system achieves multiple transformable states without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the components work together as a coordinated unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A construction toy includes a housing and a connector coupled to the housing. The connector may be configured to selectively couple the construction toy to a second construction toy. The connector may be adjustable between at least two connectivity states. The construction toy may also include an operating assembly configured to adjust the connector between the at least two connectivity states. The construction toy may further include a power source configured to supply power to at least the operating assembly.