Swappable Game Piece Base With Selector Disk

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of miniature games increases with the number of characters and scenarios, leading to extensive and complicated rules, and the need for record keeping for each figure, limiting the interchangeability of miniature figures with bases.

Innovation Solution

A game piece design featuring a base with a selector disk and a removably mounted figure, allowing for interchangeable figures and bases, with various attachment mechanisms such as protrusions, magnetic components, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesive, enabling easy switching and upgrading of characters during gameplay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If miniature figures are permanently attached to bases, then character uniqueness is maintained, but interchangeability and gameplay flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeability of figures and basesVSAvoidcharacter uniqueness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The game piece is divided into separate components: a miniature figure and a base that can be independently attached or detached. The figure includes a mounting structure with protrusions that engage with corresponding cavities in the base, allowing the figure to be separated from the base while maintaining secure attachment when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple different miniature figures. The selector disk mechanism provides multiple attachment points around its circumference, allowing any figure with the corresponding mounting structure to be attached to any base, creating a universal system for figure-base interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple characters and scenarios are added to increase game complexity, then game depth increases, but record keeping and rule management become more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of characters and scenariosVSAvoidrecord keeping and rule management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selector disk is merged with the base structure, combining the functions of character selection, statistic display, and figure attachment into a single integrated component. The disk rotates to bring different character statistics into alignment with viewing windows on the base, eliminating the need for separate record-keeping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base with selector disk serves itself by automatically displaying the relevant statistics for the attached figure through the rotation mechanism. When a figure is attached, the corresponding character statistics are automatically presented through the viewing windows, eliminating the need for external reference sheets or complex rulebooks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If figures are permanently attached to bases, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but upgrading and switching characters during gameplay is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidupgrading and switching figures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The figure and base are manufactured as separate components with standardized interfaces. The figure includes a mounting structure with protrusions that engage with cavities in the base, allowing each component to be manufactured independently using simple molding processes while enabling easy assembly and disassembly during gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The protrusion-cavity interface with retaining walls allows the figure to be securely attached during gameplay but easily removed and reattached to different bases, providing dynamic adaptability without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design simplifies gameplay by allowing players to easily swap and upgrade figures and bases, reducing complexity and enhancing gameplay flexibility while maintaining unique character values.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic components, enabling easy switching and upgrading of characters during gameplay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2897702B1Game piece with swappable base

Publication Date: 2018.03.28 NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTIBLES ASSOCIATION INC

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AI summary

A game piece with swappable base and method of swapping bases is provided. The game piece includes a base having a selector disk rotatably engaged with a base disk, and a label positioned between the selector disk and the base disk, and a figure having a platform and a character. The base disk includes a figure retaining area, such that the platform of the figure is configured to be removably secured with the area. A second base may be provided having a second selector disk rotatably engaged with a second base disk, and a second label positioned between the second selector disk and the second base disk. The second base disk includes a figure retaining area, such that the platform of the figure is configured to be removably secured with the area of the second base. The figure may be swapped between the first base and the second base.