Shell-within-a-shell magnetic block with rotatable disc magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic construction kits lack a safe and permanent method to house disc-shaped magnets, which can lead to accidental removal and safety hazards, and do not allow for variable magnetic pole alignment for flexible module attachment.
Innovation Solution
A shell-within-a-shell construction using non-magnetic plastic for the magnetic toy construction blocks, where disc-shaped magnets are rotatably housed in pockets within an inner shell, allowing variable pole alignment for secure and removable attachment of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are permanently fixed in construction blocks, then safety is improved by preventing accidental removal, but the ability to vary magnetic pole alignment for flexible module attachment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnets rotatable within recesses in the inner shell. This allows the magnetic poles to change orientation dynamically, enabling flexible module attachment while keeping the magnets permanently housed within the block for safety. The magnets can rotate to different positions to align with adjacent modules as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the construction block into an outer shell, an inner shell, and magnets that are separated but contained. This segmentation allows the magnets to be independently positioned and rotated within their recesses, providing both permanent containment for safety and variable alignment capability for adaptability.
2Reliability
If magnets are housed within construction blocks, then safety is improved by preventing accidental removal, but the complexity of the block structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting by placing an inner shell containing the magnets inside an outer shell. This nested structure provides permanent containment for safety while maintaining a relatively simple overall block geometry. The inner shell with recesses for magnets is nested within the outer shell, creating a compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are rotatably maintained in pockets, then magnetic pole alignment flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the housing structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing recesses in the inner shell only at specific locations where magnets need to be positioned. The inner shell has a relatively simple overall structure with localized recesses that accommodate the magnets and allow rotation. This provides magnetic pole alignment flexibility only where needed, rather than complicating the entire housing structure.
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 shell-within-a-shell design ensures magnets are safely embedded and can be aligned for secure, removable attachment of modules, enabling the creation of various shapes and structures while preventing accidental magnet removal.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic toy construction block includes an inner shell and an outer shell which are arranged to form a module having a shell-within-a-shell construction. Disc-shaped magnets are rotatably received and maintained in pockets formed in the inner shell of the module. The inner shell is permanently housed within the outer shell such that the magnets lie in close proximity to its sidewalls and hence sidewalls of the module itself.