Vertically Suspended Matrix for Multi-Player Pattern Games
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abstract strategy pattern building games are limited by allowing only two players, a single plane of play, and a single type of game piece, which restricts difficulty and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A vertically suspended game board matrix with multiple planes and two types of game pieces that can be inserted into single or multiple planes, allowing for increased player count, dimensions, and piece variety, along with a foldable stand and slideable brackets for gameplay and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single plane of play is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the number of players and pattern-building dimensions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane game board to a multi-plane vertically suspended matrix, allowing game pieces to be placed in multiple horizontal planes. This dimensional expansion enables more players to participate simultaneously and creates additional pattern-building opportunities in three-dimensional space, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The game board is segmented into multiple horizontal planes stacked vertically, with each plane capable of independently receiving game pieces. This segmentation allows different players to play on different planes simultaneously, increasing the number of players and pattern-building dimensions without requiring a complete redesign of the entire board structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only one type of game piece is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty and enjoyment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different types of game pieces are assigned to specific locations or planes within the vertically suspended matrix. Each plane or region can have specialized pieces that provide different functions or difficulties, allowing players to experience varied gameplay without requiring every piece type to be available throughout the entire board, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple planes are added, then the number of players and pattern-building options increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertically suspended matrix structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the playing surface, supports multiple planes of play, enables vertical stacking of game pieces, and facilitates the suspension mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each feature, thereby managing the increase in complexity while achieving enhanced player capacity and pattern-building options.
Data Source
AI summary
A game apparatus for an abstract strategy pattern building board game that has two walls, each with multiple apertures. A number of dividers are intermediate the two wall and form multiple channels disposed along the two walls. The dividers also form multiple gaps defined by spaces between the channels. Two sets of playing markers are used to build patterns during game play. One set of playing markers fills a single channel along one wall, and one set of playing markers fills two channels and a gap in between the two channels.