Reconfigurable Construction Components with Demarcations for Dynamic Load Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional erector sets are limited in their ability to handle dynamic stresses and loads, lack versatility in structure design, and have inadequate coupling components for integrating motors, leading to structural instability and frequent reconstruction needs.
Innovation Solution
A construction set with alterable components featuring demarcations for reconfiguration, non-sharp corners for safety, variable speed electromagnetic drive assemblies, and non-circular drive shafts for improved torque transfer, along with a variety of coupling components to facilitate the creation of dynamically stable structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional erector set components with fixed geometry and fixed coupling locations are used, then the structure can be easily assembled, but the structure cannot handle dynamic stresses and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing components with alterable geometry and coupling locations. The demarcations on components indicate where they can be modified to change their shape and coupling positions, allowing the structure to adapt to dynamic stresses and loads rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the components into modifiable sections marked by demarcations. These demarcations indicate where components can be divided or reconfigured, allowing users to create custom geometries and coupling locations to optimize structural stability for specific dynamic load requirements.
2Ease of operation
If erector set components with fixed geometry are used, then the assembly process is simple, but the versatility in structure design is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The components are designed with demarcations that enable users to alter their geometry dynamically. This allows the same basic component to be transformed into multiple different shapes and configurations, greatly increasing design versatility while maintaining the simplicity of starting with standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes components multi-functional by allowing them to serve as different geometric forms after modification. A single component type can be altered to create various shapes and coupling configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized component types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling components are used for motor integration, then the motor can be attached, but the structural integrity is compromised under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling components include demarcations that allow them to be modified to create stronger, custom-fitted connections for motor integration. This enables the coupling elements to be adapted to specific load requirements rather than using fixed, one-size-fits-all coupling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing specific regions of components (indicated by demarcations) to be modified for enhanced coupling. This enables localized strengthening at critical connection points where motors are attached, without requiring modification of the entire component.
4Ease of manufacture
If erector set components are designed for fixed shapes and sizes, then manufacturing is simple, but reconfiguration beyond original form is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by designing components that are manufactured in standardized forms but include demarcations that guide their alteration into various shapes and sizes. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling extensive reconfiguration capability through controlled modification at marked locations.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting components with demarcations at specific intervals, the patent enables easy division and reconfiguration. The demarcations indicate optimal locations for modification, allowing components to be reconfigured into different forms while maintaining structural integrity at the segmented boundaries.
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 rapid prototyping of user-definable apparatus with enhanced structural integrity and safety, allowing for the construction of diverse structures capable of handling dynamic loads and stresses.
Implementation Method 1
variable speed electromagnetic drive assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical and electromechanical components for rapidly constructing a user-definable apparatus may include components that are reconfigurable into other construction set components, and that have at least one demarcation defining adjacent segments thereof. The demarcations facilitate reconfiguration of the components to produce other construction set components. Openings to substantially prevent sharp edges from being formed during reconfiguration may be included in the components. An electromechanical drive assembly having an integrated speed control and operable to receive interchangeable, non-circular drive shafts may be provided. The electromechanical drive assembly may be configured to attach to and self-align relative to other construction set components. One or more of the components may be provided with openings through which the non-circular drive shafts may rotate. The drive shaft may be locked in relation to openings of components that, allow the drive shaft to rotate via a lock plate. A bearing plate may also be included.