Stabilizing Connector for Building Toy Tile Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction toys lack stabilizing connectors that securely align and stabilize connected components while allowing for creative customization, often resulting in movement issues and de-railment of accessories due to weak connections.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of stabilizing connectors with a base featuring connection studs that extend from both inner and outer surfaces, capable of removably securing with apertures on tiles and supporting accessories, providing a secure friction-fit and reducing movement in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interlocking construction toys use complimentary connectable elements, then connection is achieved, but alignment precision and connection strength are insufficient leading to movement and de-railment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a first component with a first connectable element, a second component with a second connectable element, and an additional stabilizing connector element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve both strong connection and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional stabilizing connector element acts as an intermediary between the first and second components. It provides extra connection points and structural support that enhance both the strength and alignment of the overall connection, preventing movement and de-railment without requiring high manufacturing precision in the base components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible trackways with locking flanges are used, then orientation flexibility is improved, but dexterity and strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are designed with universal connectable elements that can be assembled in multiple orientations and configurations. The first and second components can connect in various orientations, and the additional stabilizing element can be attached to either component, providing multi-functional adaptability without requiring complex assembly dexterity.
3Ease of operation
If magnets are used for track connection, then dexterity requirement is reduced, but connection strength decreases allowing misalignment and de-railment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines magnetic connection elements with additional mechanical stabilizing structures. The magnets provide easy assembly with reduced dexterity requirements, while the integrated stabilizing connector elements provide additional mechanical support and alignment features that prevent misalignment and de-railment, merging the benefits of both magnetic and mechanical connection systems.
4Reliability
If significant overlapping surface area or complex connection elements are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex connection element with large overlapping surfaces, the connection system is segmented into multiple simpler elements: a first connector, a second connector, and an additional stabilizing element. Each element has a simple design, but together they provide distributed connection points that achieve high connection strength without requiring any single element to be complex.
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 stabilizing connectors effectively prevent movement in multiple directions, securely align tiles, and enhance creative play by allowing various customized connections, thereby stabilizing the connection of tiles and supporting accessories within the toy kit.
Implementation Method 1
The connection of each element, such as connectable portion of certain race tracks, is typically weaker, allowing for a user to misalign pieces
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing connector and construction toy kit are provided. The construction toy kit contains a plurality of tiles, each comprising a first and second plate connected by a sidewall, and at least one aperture defined by the first plate and configured to receive one of a plurality of connection studs extending from an inner surface of a stabilizing connector base. That is, the plurality of connection studs may be configured to, simultaneously, removably secure with at least one aperture of a first tile and at least one aperture of a second tile. In this manner, the stabilizing connector is operative to reduce movement of any tiles secured with the stabilizing connector in all three dimensions with respect to one another. A post extending from an outer surface of the base of the stabilizing connector may be operative to support at least one accessory, such as a tree, building, or sign.