Toy Block Coupling Mechanism for Easy Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy blocks require a strong force to separate and limit the variety of forms that can be built, making it difficult for children to assemble and disassemble them easily.
Innovation Solution
The toy block structure incorporates cable-shaped clay blocks made of flexible materials with built-in rigidity, featuring fastening grooves, side and top coupling protrusions, and connection caps, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with minimal force, enabling the creation of various forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional toy blocks use rigid coupling structures (contact reinforcement concave-convex portions), then the coupling strength is improved, but the ease of separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the coupling protrusion can move vertically within the coupling hole. The elastic deformation of the coupling protrusion provides a dynamic mechanism that allows easy insertion while maintaining strong coupling during play, and enables easy separation when upward force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the coupling protrusion changes from rigid to elastically deformable. The protrusion is designed to elastically deform during insertion and coupling, then maintain a stable coupled state during play, and finally allow easy separation when sufficient upward force is applied. This parameter change in material behavior resolves the contradiction between strong coupling and easy separation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If toy blocks are designed with fixed rigid structures, then the structural stability is improved, but the versatility of forms that can be built deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toy block system incorporates dynamic elements through the elastic coupling protrusions and the cable-shaped clay blocks that can be bent into various forms. These dynamic components allow the structure to adapt to different configurations while maintaining stability through the elastic properties and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines traditional rigid toy blocks with cable-shaped clay blocks made of flexible materials. This composite approach integrates the structural stability of rigid blocks with the form versatility of flexible clay, allowing children to create diverse structures that maintain both stability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If toy blocks require strong force for separation, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for children deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses dynamic elastic deformation rather than static rigid connection. During normal play, the elastic properties maintain reliable coupling, but when children apply upward pulling force, the dynamic system allows easy separation without requiring excessive strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling force parameter changes based on the state: strong coupling force during play through elastic retention, but reduced separation force requirement when upward pulling is applied. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both reliable coupling and easy separation for children.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembling toy block structure that is capable of easily performing a releasing operation for toy blocks coupled to each other with a relatively small force. The assembling toy block structure includes at least one or more polyhedron-shaped toy blocks assembled to each other to make a desired toy form and further includes generally cable-shaped clay blocks made of a material having flexibility with which they are freely bent and rigidity with which they are resistant to external forces after bent.