Interlocking Building Block Snap-Hinge Connection for Acute Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building block toys with hinged connections have limited interconnection options, restricting the variety of shapes that can be constructed to primarily 45-degree angles, lacking versatility in geometric configurations.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking toy set featuring planar bodies with multiple lateral edges and interlocking flanges that provide a snap-hinge connection, allowing adjacent pieces to rotate and form acute angles, such as 30 degrees, through a configuration of domed protrusions and depressions, enabling a wider range of geometric formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinged connections are used in building blocks, then the blocks can be connected at 45-degree angles, but the interconnection options are limited and shape variety is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a hinge portion on one block and a corresponding hinge reception on the adjacent block. This segmentation allows each piece to maintain simple individual geometry while achieving complex interconnection capabilities when combined, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection mechanism is designed to be universal, allowing connections at multiple angles (45 degrees and acute angles) and supporting various block configurations. This multi-functionality enables a single connection type to serve multiple purposes, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinged connections are limited to 45-degree angles, then the connection mechanism remains simple, but the variety of shapes that can be constructed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection transitions from a fixed-angle constraint to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The hinge portion can rotate relative to the hinge reception, allowing the connection angle to be adjusted between 45 degrees and acute angles during assembly, thereby enabling shape variety without requiring multiple precisely-manufactured fixed-angle connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes the angular parameter from a fixed value (45 degrees) to a variable range (45 degrees to acute angles). This parameter change is achieved through the rotational capability of the hinge connection, allowing flexible angle selection without increasing manufacturing precision requirements for multiple discrete angle variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interlocking flanges are added to provide snap-hinge connections, then interconnection versatility improves, but the complexity of the block design increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flanges (first, second, and third flanges) are merged into a single integrated hinge connection structure. This combining of multiple connection elements into one unified mechanism achieves versatile interconnection capabilities while avoiding the complexity of separate, discrete connection components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection structure employs a nested arrangement where the third flange on one block fits into a slot formed by the first and second flanges on the adjacent block. This nesting configuration allows compact integration of multiple connection functions within a limited space, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing overall block structure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking toy set comprising a plurality of interlocking pieces is disclosed herein. The interlocking pieces include a planar body having a top side, a bottom side opposite the top side, and a plurality of lateral edges that extend between and interconnect the top and bottom sides. The interlocking pieces also include a plurality of interlocking flanges that extend away from each lateral edge and configured to interlock with corresponding interlocking flanges formed on a lateral edge of an adjacent interlocking piece.