Resilient Tendon Toy Construction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy construction block systems are limited in versatility as they can only be extended vertically by stacking or laterally by overlapping blocks, restricting the complexity and variety of structures that can be assembled.
Innovation Solution
A toy construction system that includes a resiliently deformable tendon to connect building blocks, allowing for motion in multiple Cartesian axes, with each block featuring projections and recesses for engagement, and optional elongate slotted apertures and pins for hinged and slideable connections, enabling more complex and varied configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacking or overlapping methods are used to assemble building blocks, then the structure can be extended vertically or laterally, but the versatility and complexity of structures are limited to planar alignments
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon is made resiliently deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape and provide range of motion in multiple Cartesian axes. This enables building blocks to be connected in non-planar configurations while maintaining a relatively simple connection mechanism consisting of the tendon and engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The tendon acts as a flexible connector that can be deformed and bent to accommodate various spatial arrangements of building blocks. This flexibility allows structures to extend beyond traditional planar alignments while the tendon itself remains a simple, thin element that does not significantly increase device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a resiliently deformable tendon is introduced to provide range of motion in multiple axes, then structure complexity and versatility increase, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the resiliently deformable tendon provides motion range, while separate engagement features (protrusions and recesses) provide secure connection. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tendon serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects building blocks, provides range of motion in multiple axes, and allows for releasable connections. The engagement features on the tendon and blocks serve both connection and motion constraint functions, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
3Strength
If engagements and receiving elements are designed for interference fit, then connection strength increases, but assembly ease decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon is resiliently deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust during assembly. This elasticity enables the tendon to flex into the engagement features and receive elements, facilitating easier assembly while maintaining strong interference fit connections once assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient nature of the tendon provides a cushioning effect during assembly, absorbing the impact and stress of inserting engagements into receiving elements. This pre-built flexibility eases the assembly process while ensuring strong connections are formed.
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
The system allows for a range of motion between blocks, enabling the creation of complex structures with non-planar alignments and increased versatility, as blocks can be drawn, twisted, and bent, facilitating the assembly of structures that deviate from traditional alignments.
Implementation Method 1
the tendon being resiliently deformable and providing a range of motion for each at least two blocks, relative to each other, in at least two Cartesian axes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of recesses in a lower surface, the recesses shaped to frictionally engage the projections of another building block
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction system comprising a releasably connectable tendon or tether (“tendon”) to connect to at least two building blocks. The tendon being resiliently deformable and providing a range of motion for each of at least two blocks, relative to each other, in at least two Cartesian axes. The tendon having an engagement, and each block having a corresponding receiving element.