Rotatable Connector Spinner Device for Toy Construction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction systems face issues with connectors wearing out over time, leading to a loss of structural integrity and limited versatility in building complex structures, hindering child development of dexterity and creativity.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable connector/spinner device with a conical-shaped cavity and twist-lock connectors allows for the interconnection of various components, enabling a wide range of structures and formations by providing a secure and adaptable connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional male and female interlocking joints are used, then components can be connected in various ways, but the connectors become worn over time and cannot hold a desired angle
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a rotatable member that can rotate within a cavity, allowing dynamic adjustment of connection angles. The rotatable member includes a male connector that can be rotated to engage with female connectors at different orientations, providing both versatility and reliable locking through the twist-lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the male connector. It provides a mechanical interface that combines rotation capability with the twist-lock engagement, mediating between the need for versatile positioning and reliable connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sphere-headed couplings are used to provide universal joint connection, then any two blocks can be connected at any angle, but the couplings become worn and structures cannot hold their shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spherical coupling mechanism with a twist-lock connector system. This mechanical substitution uses a conical male connector that twists into a female connector, providing a more reliable engagement that maintains structural integrity while still allowing angular flexibility through the rotatable member.
3Ease of operation
If simple interlocking joints are used, then assembly is simple, but the system has limited versatility in building complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, combining a rotatable member with twist-lock connectors that can engage at multiple orientations. This universal connector can work with various component types and configurations, enabling simple assembly while supporting complex structure building through the rotatable adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction system is provided that includes, in a toy construction system having a multiplicity of interconnecting members adapted for constructing a variety of projects, a rotator head device including a device housing having a conical-shaped cavity formed therein. The housing includes a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed on the outer surface thereof, and the female connectors are adapted for attaching a first member of the toy construction system to the rotator head device housing. A rotating member, which is conical in shape and slightly smaller in size than the cavity formed in the device housing is included. The rotating member is rotatably disposed within the cavity and has a male twist-lock connector stem extending from an end thereof for connecting a second member of the toy construction system to the rotating member, whereby the first member is rotatable with respect to the second member.