Stackable Number Blocks with Height-Value Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing educational toys fail to effectively teach arithmetic concepts through repetitive play by not allowing vertical stacking of number blocks while maintaining visibility of the represented numbers, limiting engagement and understanding of number relationships.

Innovation Solution

Designing vertically stackable number blocks where each block's height corresponds to its value, allowing for intuitive association and reinforcement of base-ten concepts, with blocks also capable of being stacked from multiple angles to facilitate learning of complex math concepts like fractions and percentages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If number blocks are made vertically stackable to teach larger math problems, then the ability to work with larger numbers is improved, but the visibility of the represented numbers deteriorates when stacked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work with larger math problemsVSAvoidvisibility of represented numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by allowing blocks to be stacked not only vertically but also from multiple angles (horizontally, diagonally). This multi-dimensional stacking capability enables students to work with larger numbers and more complex arrangements while maintaining visibility of all number representations through spatial distribution across different planes and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numeric symbols are placed on a separate visual plane from the block structure, then the symbol design flexibility is improved, but the ability to make key memory associations deteriorates when blocks are stacked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymbol design flexibilityVSAvoidkey memory associations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the numeric symbol directly with the block structure by painting the number on the front face of each block. This integration ensures that when blocks are stacked, the numeric symbols remain visible and spatially associated with their corresponding block structures, reinforcing key memory associations through consistent visual-structural pairing across all stacking configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If blocks are designed with fixed stacking orientation, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the replay value and engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreplay value

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing blocks with standardized connection surfaces that allow stacking in multiple orientations (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) and configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables endless replay value and engagement as students can create varied structures and explore different mathematical relationships, while the standardized surfaces maintain manufacturing simplicity through consistent production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11024188B2Educational toy number stacking blocks

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 KIXLY INC

AI summary

The present invention includes a set of stacking blocks designed to resemble the Arabic numerals 1-10. Each number block is height proportional to its value, and they can be stacked vertically. This feature allows students to see the relationship between numbers, and discover math concepts as they stack or play.