Reconfigurable Cube Elements with Motion Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction elements are often specific to a particular use and not reusable, requiring handling and not allowing for flexible or adaptive construction methods.

Innovation Solution

A system of three-dimensional elements with motion-guiding and motion-restriction modules that allow for flexible use and reconfiguration, enabling manual or autonomous displacement and assembly into various shapes and structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standardized construction elements are used, then production and handling become easier, but the elements are not reusable and lack flexibility for different constructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of productionVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing construction elements with standardized interfaces that can perform multiple functions. The elements feature motion-guiding modules and motion-restriction modules that enable them to be used in various constructions and configurations, making a single element type adaptable to different building needs rather than requiring specialized elements for each construction type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by incorporating motion modules that allow elements to change their configuration and reposition themselves. The motion-guiding modules define trajectories that enable elements to move from one construction configuration to another, transforming static construction elements into dynamic, reconfigurable units that can adapt to different structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If specialized construction elements are used for specific purposes, then the construction function is optimized, but the elements cannot be reused for other purposes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction functionVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by creating universal construction elements that maintain reliable construction functions while being applicable to multiple purposes. The standardized motion-guiding and motion-restriction modules enable the same element to serve different construction functions by changing its interaction mode with other elements, eliminating the need for specialized single-purpose elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies discarding and recovering by enabling elements to be discarded from one construction configuration and recovered for use in another. The motion modules facilitate the recovery process by allowing elements to be easily extracted and repositioned into new configurations, ensuring that elements are not permanently discarded but can be recovered and reused in different constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If elements are designed for manual handling, then ease of assembly is improved, but autonomous reconfiguration capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual assemblyVSAvoidautonomous reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by equipping construction elements with autonomous motion modules that enable self-reconfiguration. The elements can independently execute displacement actions based on predefined trajectories defined by motion-guiding modules, allowing the construction system to reconfigure itself without external manual intervention while maintaining the capability for manual operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If elements allow flexible reconfiguration, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity during displacement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing dynamic control of element interactions. The motion-restriction modules actively manage the displacement process to maintain structural integrity during reconfiguration, allowing flexibility when needed while preserving strength during critical displacement phases through controlled interaction with motion-guiding modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3326703B1Shape-shifting a configuration of reusable elements
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 RND BY US BV
  • EP3326703B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1F
  • EP3326703B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP3326703B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3H

AI summary

The invention provides a computer game, comprising providing a begin shape of at least three cube shaped elements to a user playing said game, providing a different end shape comprising said at least three cube shaped elements wherein at least one cube shaped element must be displaced in relation to the other cube shaped elements wherein said displacement occurs by using a motion function related to a cube shaped element which operates in conjunction with at least one other cube shaped element, providing a set of parameters which together with said different end shape determine losing or winning said game, providing the user with a set of tools wherein the user is able to select programmable attributes of the elements by which each element is able to run its own program, allowing the user to make a selection from said set of tools, transferring the selected tools selected by the user to said at least three cube-shaped elements, starting the game wherein said at least three cube-shaped elements run their individual programs starting from said begin shape, completing the game on the basis of said parameters and the position of said at least three cube shaped elements in relation to said different end shape.