Toy Building Block Structure for Hidden 3D Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toy construction blocks suffer from limited interconnectivity, visibility of connecting mechanisms, and structural stability, restricting the complexity and aesthetic appeal of constructed models.
Innovation Solution
A cuboidal toy building block design with intersecting main through openings and symmetrically arranged threaded through openings, allowing for multi-directional connectivity, concealed connectors, and compatibility with various fasteners, manufactured via 3D printing for precision and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stacking or simple interlocking blocks are used, then manufacturing is simple and blocks are easy to produce, but interconnectivity is limited and structural complexity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The block is segmented into multiple functional regions with different types of openings (main through openings along three perpendicular axes and primary threaded through openings arranged symmetrically around each main opening). This segmentation allows each region to serve specific connectivity functions, enabling multi-directional and multi-type connections while maintaining a relatively simple overall block structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The block design incorporates multiple types of openings that can accommodate different connection methods (main through openings for various fasteners and primary threaded through openings for screws). This multi-functionality allows a single block type to participate in diverse construction configurations, significantly enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized block varieties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connectors are made visible and integral to structure stability, then structural integrity is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector elements (screws, fasteners) are extracted from the block surface and placed within the block interior through the threaded through openings. This allows the connecting mechanism to be hidden inside the block structure, maintaining aesthetic appearance while still achieving structural stability through the internal fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements are nested within the block structure, with screws and fasteners housed inside the block through the threaded through openings. This nesting approach conceals the connecting mechanisms within the block's interior, preserving the clean external appearance while maintaining structural integrity through internal fastening.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed connectors are used for assembly, then structural stability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from fixed permanent connectors to dynamic removable fasteners. The threaded through openings accommodate screws and other fasteners that can be easily inserted and removed, allowing the connection state to change between assembled and disassembled configurations. This dynamic approach maintains structural stability when assembled while enabling convenient disassembly and reassembly operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rod and connector systems are used for diverse three-dimensional structures, then interconnectivity improves, but structural solidity deteriorates and realism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges the advantages of rod-and-connector systems (multi-directional connectivity) with solid block structures. The main through openings allow rod-like connectors to pass through the solid block material, combining the connectivity of skeletal systems with the solidity of traditional blocks. This creates structures that are both structurally solid and capable of diverse three-dimensional configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A cuboidal toy building block comprising: six side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) arranged in three pairs of opposing side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32); a first main through opening (10) having a first central axis (X) perpendicular to a first pair (11, 12) of opposing side walls; a second main through opening (20) having a second central axis (Y) perpendicular to a second pair (21, 22) of opposing side walls; a third main through opening (30) having a third central axis (Z) perpendicular to a third pair (31, 32) of opposing side walls; wherein the central axes (X, Y, Z) intersect each other at a first common intersection point (P1); and at least four primary threaded through openings (41) in each side wall, arranged symmetrically around each main through opening (10, 20, 30) between the main through opening (10, 20, 30) and each of the edges of the side wall.