Pulp-Based Construction Element With Rotating Ball Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing children's construction sets have limited universality and coupling efficiency, and their manufacturing techniques are complex.
Innovation Solution
The construction set elements are designed as convex bodies with studs on the upper part, main grooves on the lower part, and additional grooves on the side faces, made from a pulp-based fibrous substance like cellulose, featuring a locking button and simple manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If construction set elements use traditional connecting elements and grooves with fixed angles, then coupling precision is improved, but universality and combinatorial capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed to rotate within the grooves, transitioning from a fixed angular connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the elements to be coupled at any angle rather than predetermined angles, simultaneously achieving precise coupling and universal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational freedom in the angular dimension, transforming the connection from a discrete angular position to a continuous angular range. This dimensional expansion enables elements to adapt to any orientation while maintaining coupling precision.
2Productivity
If construction set elements use complex connecting mechanisms, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connecting element and groove into a unified integrated structure where the ball-shaped head fits directly into the corresponding groove. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps, achieving efficient coupling with simple design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements automatically self-align and self-lock through the ball-and-groove geometry. The spherical head naturally guides itself into the groove during assembly, and the rotational capability provides automatic adaptation to any angle without requiring precise manual positioning or additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Strength
If construction set elements are made from traditional materials, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from traditional plastics or metals to pulp-based fibrous substances. This material substitution enables the use of simple molding processes while maintaining sufficient strength for toy construction applications, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulp-based material undergoes phase transition during molding, transforming from fibrous raw material to solid formed elements. This phase change process allows complex three-dimensional shapes with integrated connecting features to be formed in a single molding operation, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of toys, including children's construction sets, and can be used during the production of elements of children's construction kits for making three-dimensional models. The present construction set element is a convex body and is provided with studs on its upper part, main grooves on its lower part, additional grooves on its side faces, and a locking button. The element is made from a contoured blank having uniform thickness of the surface formed from a pulp based on a fibrous substance. The universality of a construction set element and the combination possibilities of the elements are increased, the coupling efficiency of the construction set elements with one another is increased, and the technique for manufacturing the element is simplified.