Textile Modular Blocks With Internal Supports for Child Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy building block sets are unsafe for children due to small parts that can cause choking, injury, or harm, and lack versatility in creating complex structures, especially those made of hard materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular building element made of textile-based materials with tubular supports and fastening elements, allowing for the creation of various articles like pocketbooks, clothing, and toys, using snap, magnet, or clip fasteners for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard building blocks are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but safety for children deteriorates due to choking hazards and injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard plastic to soft textile fabric, transforming the building blocks into a safe alternative that eliminates choking hazards while maintaining structural capabilities through textile-based construction
Solution Approach 2:
The textile blocks are designed to be soft and replaceable, allowing children to play safely without risk of permanent injury from hard objects, and the blocks can be easily replaced if worn
2Strength
If hard building blocks are used, then structural strength is improved, but safety for children deteriorates due to injury from throwing or stepping on blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard plastic to soft textile fabric, transforming the building blocks into a safe alternative that eliminates injury risks from throwing or stepping on blocks while maintaining structural capabilities through textile-based construction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If textile-based materials are used, then safety for children is improved, but structural strength deteriorates compared to hard materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite textile structures with internal supports, combining soft fabric with reinforcing elements to achieve both safety and structural strength simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible textile shells as the outer structure of the blocks, providing safety while incorporating internal rigid supports to maintain structural integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular building elements are made versatile for creating various articles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to multiple components and fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the textile blocks themselves, integrating fastening mechanisms directly into the block structure rather than requiring separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
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
Provides a safe, flexible, and versatile building system that allows children of all ages to create a variety of complex structures without the risk of injury, using soft materials that are easy to use and promote educational play.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of fastening elements includes at least one magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Herein is a modular building element that may be combined in a number of ways to form unique articles. The modular building elements may be sold as a kit and marketed as a children's toy. The modular building element may have a front and a back with fasteners disposed on at least one of the front and back. Additional elements such as support elements and connecting elements may further be included to expand upon the functionality of the modular building element.