Rotating Joints for 3D Folded Paper Figures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper folding techniques struggle to create three-dimensional figures with secure connections that allow for mobility between components, limiting the usefulness of folded paper toys.

Innovation Solution

The use of connectors made from elongated sheets with narrower central portions and wider ends, which fit within apertures of folded paper components to securely join them while allowing for rotation, enabling the creation of movable three-dimensional figures like humans or animals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate three dimensional shapes are assembled together to create figures, then the figure can be constructed from modular components, but it is difficult to achieve a secure connection between components while allowing for mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility of componentsVSAvoidsecure connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is inserted inside the aperture of the first component and extends through to the second component, with the aperture walls surrounding and securing the connector. This nesting arrangement provides a secure connection while the connector allows rotational movement between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A separate connector component serves as an intermediary element between the first and second components. The connector has a first end portion that fits within the aperture of the first component and a second end portion that connects to the second component, enabling secure yet mobile connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional folding techniques are used to create three dimensional figures, then the figures can be made from simple paper folding, but the usefulness as toys is limited due to lack of component mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of constructionVSAvoidtoy functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The figure is divided into separate three dimensional components (such as head, torso, limbs) that can be independently folded from separate sheets or portions of a sheet. Each component can be assembled independently and then connected using connectors, enabling both ease of manufacture and toy functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If connectors are used to join components, then secure connection and rotation are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector serves multiple functions: it provides a secure connection between components, allows for rotational movement, and can be inserted through apertures that are already part of the component design. The aperture itself serves both as a structural element of the component and as the receiving structure for the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9339735B2Three dimensional folded figures with rotating joints

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 FOLDABLES LLC

AI summary

System, methods and figures having rotating joints including a first component comprising a face and an aperture within the face, a second component comprising a face and an aperture within the face, and a connector comprising a panel, wherein the panel comprises an elongated sheet having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion, wherein the central portion is narrower than the first and second end portions. The connector is configured to fit within the apertures of the first and second components to securely adjoin the first component to the second component such that the first and second components are rotatable relative to each other.