Snap-Lock Construction Toy Connectors for Multi-Angular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction toys face limitations in angular orientation and stability due to smooth connectors that lead to abrasive wear and restricted multi-faceted connections, necessitating a solution for multi-functional, multi-angular, and reusable components.
Innovation Solution
The development of snap-lock components with multi-faceted and bi-directional connectors that use elastic expansion to securely lock into position, allowing for adjustable angular orientations and enhanced stability through a combination of geometric shapes and materials like rigid plastic, enabling complex assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smooth male and female connector portions are used to connect components, then the connection is simple to make, but the stability is reduced and abrasive wear occurs on components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: a smooth insertion zone for ease of connection, and a locked engagement zone with protrusions and recesses for stability. This segmentation allows the connector to provide both easy operation and reliable connection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portions are pre-formed with specific geometric features including protrusions, recesses, and locked engagement zones that automatically engage when components are connected. This preliminary configuration ensures stable connection without requiring additional fastening actions.
2Device complexity
If traditional connector designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the angular orientation of connecting components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portions are designed with universal multi-faceted geometry that enables connection at multiple angular orientations. The protrusions and recesses can engage in various orientations, allowing the same connector design to serve multiple angular connection functions without requiring different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design transitions from simple linear engagement to multi-dimensional engagement with protrusions and recesses that can interact in various orientations. This adds angular and rotational dimensions to the connection capability, enabling multi-angular assembly while maintaining the basic connector structure.
3Reliability
If reusable connector portions are designed to lock into position, then greater stability is provided, but the complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only specific localized features of the connector are designed with locking mechanisms (protrusions and recesses in the locked engagement zone), while other portions remain simple and smooth. This localized application of complexity provides the necessary stability without unnecessarily increasing overall connector complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when components are connected, without requiring additional fastening actions or complex mechanisms. The protrusions and recesses self-align and lock into position through the connection action itself, providing stable reusable connection with minimal added complexity.
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 snap-lock components provide greater stability and versatility in constructing various shapes and structures, overcoming the limitations of previous toys by ensuring secure connections and ease of use while reducing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
a female connector (12) formed of an elastic material and having a locked engagement zone defined by interior surfaces (30, 32, 34) that include at least one gap (50) extending longitudinally towards a base (27) sufficiently to enable the opposing walls of the female connector (12) to expand elastically
Data Source
AI summary
A construction toy is disclosed which includes a set of construction components. The construction toy includes components that may be assembled by connecting male and female snap-lock connectors. A female snap-lock connector is disclosed that includes a deflectable channel opening into a wider cavity. A male snap-lock connector is disclosed with a cylindrical head, a neck, and seat. The construction components are connected by pressing a male head through a female deflectable channel and into the wider cavity allowing the deflectable channel to return to its non-deflected position surrounding the male connector neck and secure the construction component in position.