Rotatable Ring Magnet in Toy Block for Safe Variable Poles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic construction kits lack a safe and secure method to house and position radially magnetized ring magnets, which limits the variability and stability of magnetic connections between modules, affecting the complexity and safety of structures built.

Innovation Solution

A prismatic magnetic toy construction module with a hollow interior that rotatably supports a radially magnetized ring magnet using pedestals extending from opposite end caps, allowing variable pole alignment and secure magnetization within the module, preventing accidental removal and enabling versatile module attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a radially magnetized ring magnet is embedded in a magnetic construction module, then magnetic connection strength between modules is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential accidental removal or exposure of the magnet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic connection strengthVSAvoidsafety risks from magnet exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring magnet is nested within a hollow interior space of the module, surrounded by non-magnetic material. The magnet is positioned between two pedestals that extend into the interior from opposite end caps, creating a nested structure where the magnet is contained within the module housing, preventing accidental removal while maintaining magnetic connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Non-magnetic pedestals serve as intermediary elements between the ring magnet and the module exterior. These pedestals extend into the hollow interior from opposite end caps and cooperate to rotatably support the ring magnet, acting as mediators that secure the magnet in place while allowing it to maintain its magnetic function without direct exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the ring magnet is fixed in a specific position within the module, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the variability of magnetic connections and building possibilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet positioning precisionVSAvoidmagnetic connection variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring magnet is designed to rotate freely within the hollow interior of the module, supported by two pedestals extending from opposite end caps. This dynamic positioning allows the magnet to automatically orient itself during module attachment, enabling opposite poles to align magnetically while maintaining manufacturing precision through the constrained rotational movement within the defined interior space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ring magnet is rotatably supported within the module interior, then adaptability of magnetic connections is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional supporting structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic connection adaptabilityVSAvoidmodule internal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring magnet is extracted from traditional embedding methods and placed within a hollow interior space of the module. This extraction allows the magnet to be rotatably supported by simple pedestals extending from the end caps, reducing structural complexity compared to fixed embedding while maintaining adaptability through rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow interior space serves multiple functions: it houses the ring magnet, provides rotational freedom for adaptability, and contains the magnet securely to prevent removal. The pedestals simultaneously provide structural support and enable rotational movement, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design ensures safe and variable magnetic connections, allowing users to build diverse and complex structures by enabling automatic alignment of opposite poles between similar or dissimilar modules, enhancing both safety and creative building possibilities.

Implementation Method 1

opposite poles of the magnets contained within the adjacent modules will automatically align to magnetically, but removably, attach the two modules together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11207609B2Magnetic toy construction block with ring-type magnet

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 LAROSE IND LLC

AI summary

A magnetic toy construction block has an interior configured to house a radially magnetized ring magnet, which is rotatably supported within the block by a pair of pedestals extending into the interior of the block from opposite ends thereof. The positions of the poles of the ring magnet are variable relative to the sides of the block in response to the rotation of the ring magnet.