Resilient Connector for Toy Construction Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction systems lack versatility, allowing only limited assembly configurations and are often costly, with components that do not enable the creation of visually interesting structures, failing to cater to a wide range of intellectual levels and appealing to a broad audience, including children.
Innovation Solution
A toy construction system comprising block and connector components with a resiliently deformable peripheral edge retaining section, allowing for releasable coupling and easy assembly of various configurations without special tools, enabling the creation of diverse structures like animals, vehicles, and scenic views using a limited number of components, while being safe and economically feasible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a relatively large number of building components are provided to increase versatility, then the number of assembly configurations increases, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component is designed with dual functionality: it can couple to block components via the connector-to-block coupling section and also couple to other connector components via the connector-to-connector coupling section. This multi-functionality allows a limited number of connector components to create diverse assembly configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture many different component types while maintaining high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component is divided into distinct functional sections: the connector-to-block coupling section with its contacting surface and the connector-to-connector coupling section with its coupling aperture. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, enabling the single component type to achieve multiple coupling purposes without requiring multiple specialized component types.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional coupling methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but assembly requires special tooling or manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral edge retaining section is made of resiliently deformable material that automatically engages with the connector block contacting surface through elastic deformation. The coupling mechanism is self-actuating: when the connector component is inserted into the block component, the resilient material deforms and then springs back to lock the components together without requiring external tools or special manual dexterity, while still being manufacturable using conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral edge retaining section utilizes changes in physical parameters - specifically, the resilient material's ability to deform elastically under compression and then recover. This parameter change allows the coupling mechanism to transition from a passive structure to an active locking mechanism that guides assembly and secures the connection automatically.
3Strength
If hard edges are present on components, then structural integrity is maintained, but safety for children is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral edge retaining section is constructed from resiliently deformable material that forms a flexible edge around the block component. This flexible edge replaces traditional hard, sharp edges while maintaining the structural integrity needed for coupling. The resilient material absorbs impact and prevents injury to children during manipulation, yet remains strong enough to secure the connector component firmly.
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 provides a wide range of configuration options with a limited number of components, facilitating quick and ergonomic assembly, appealing to various age groups, and ensuring safety and durability through the use of soft, resilient materials, making it economically viable and enjoyable for children.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral edge retaining section being configured, sized and positioned so that when the block and connector components are in a component assembled configuration relative to each other, the connector block contacting surface substantially deforms at least a portion of the peripheral edge retaining section to a retaining configuration for positively retaining the latter; and when the connector block contacting surface is spaced from the at least a portion of the peripheral retaining section, the latter resiliently springs back to a non-retaining configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction system includes a block component and a connector component. The connector component has a connector-to-block coupling section for releasable coupling to the block component and a connector-to-connector coupling section for releasable coupling to a substantially similar connecting component. The connector-to-block coupling section defines a connector block contacting surface for contacting the block component. The coupling aperture defines a peripheral edge retaining section made out of a substantially resiliently deformable material. The peripheral edge retaining section is configured, sized and positioned so that when the block and connector components are in a component assembled configuration, the connector block contacting surface substantially deforms the peripheral edge retaining section to a retaining configuration for positively retaining the latter; and when the connector block contacting surface is spaced from the peripheral retaining section, the latter resiliently springs back to a non-retaining configuration.