Square-Tube Construction Set for Variable-Angle Corner Joints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction sets are limited in forming various types of corner joints at angles other than 90°, as they either restrict angle variation or require specific bevel end faces, lacking versatility in connecting structural elements at different orientations.

Innovation Solution

A model construction set with blocks of square cross-sections and rectangular faces of different widths, featuring inner longitudinal passages and round, identically sized holes for alignment, along with auxiliary parts like hollow cubes and block fragments for flexible connections, allowing for a wide range of corner joints from 0° to 180° regardless of block orientation, secured by standard fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional construction sets use blocks with limited connection methods, then assembly is simple, but the ability to form various types of corner joints at angles other than 90° is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to form various types of corner joints at different anglesVSAvoidcomplexity of connection methods and block designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The construction set employs universal connecting elements that can form various types of corner joints at different angles (0° to 180°) regardless of block orientation. The connecting elements are designed with multiple functional capabilities, allowing them to adapt to different connection requirements without requiring specialized blocks for each angle type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the connection functionality from the block structure by introducing independent connecting elements. These elements act as intermediaries that provide the angular adjustment capability, while the blocks themselves maintain simple cubic or rectangular shapes with standard holes, dividing the complexity into manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If construction sets require specific bevel end faces to form various corner joints, then angle variation is possible, but ease of operation and alignment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of corner joint angles from 0° to 180°VSAvoidalignment and assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements serve as intermediaries between blocks, providing the angular adjustment capability without requiring modified block end faces. These intermediaries absorb the complexity of angle variation, allowing blocks to maintain simple geometries with standard hole patterns that are easy to align and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If construction sets use fixed connection methods, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility for movable connections is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmovable connections and structural flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements are designed to provide both fixed and movable connection capabilities. The system allows structures to be assembled with stable fixed joints where rigidity is required, while also enabling movable connections that permit rotation or adjustment, thereby providing dynamic adaptability to different structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3878533B1Model construction set
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 CHEMSHIT ILYA VLADIMIROVICH
  • EP3878533B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3878533B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3878533B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction set for erecting structures that can be assembled and disassembled. The technical result consists in expanding the functional capabilities of a construction set, which makes it possible to assemble a high-strength structure. The present model construction set comprises blocks with a square cross-section having faces of different widths and lengths, identical circular apertures, and an internal longitudinal passage, for connection in a longitudinal and a transverse direction to form angles that are rigidly and movably connected. The blocks are made of square tubing of compatible standard sizes. Provided are auxiliary parts produced by cutting away an end face of a block, making it possible to use the blocks as pivotable levers and to use a unified fastening connective element as a pivot pin, wherein the position of one of the blocks changes along spherical coordinates at any point of the surface of a hemisphere. The blocks are inserted into one another in order to increase the strength of structures.