Rotating Power Hub for Interlocking Bricks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for robotic toys using interlocking bricks are deficient in integrating batteries and motors as separate units, leading to connectivity issues, limited buildable surfaces, lack of battery indicators, and limited scalability and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A power hub with an integrated motor and battery, featuring six independent buildable surfaces, a visible battery indicator, and compatibility with various interlocking brick types, allowing for the creation of a wide range of moving models without external wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries and motors are kept as separate units, then connectivity issues are avoided, but component count increases and connectivity reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery and motor into a single power hub unit, eliminating the need for external connecting cables between separate battery and motor units. This merging improves connectivity reliability by eliminating connection points while reducing the overall component count and assembly complexity.
2Loss of information
If indicator light is placed on the power hub, then battery status is visible, but the light may be covered by bricks built onto the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the battery indicator light on the power hub in a location that remains visible across multiple build configurations. By strategically selecting the placement dimension and orientation, the indicator maintains visibility even when bricks are stacked on various surfaces of the hub, resolving the conflict between visibility and build flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buildable surfaces are provided on the hub, then versatility and scalability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power hub with multiple buildable surfaces that can all accommodate interlocking bricks, allowing the same hub structure to serve multiple building configurations. This universal design approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve multiple building functions.
4Device complexity
If batteries and motors are integrated into a single hub, then connecting cables are eliminated, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates thermal management features into the integrated power hub design, using the hub's internal structure and housing materials as intermediaries to conduct and dissipate heat generated by the motor and battery. This allows the integrated design to maintain thermal performance while achieving assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated power hub with a rotating driveshaft allows for the transformation of interlocking building blocks into a moving model. Blocks may be attached in many different combinations and configurations to any or all of 6 buildable surfaces of the power hub. A motor and a battery may both be safely integrated within the power hub such that the single unit may be used without the need for additional wires. Numbered studs on one or more of the building surfaces may facilitate clear instructions for young users.