Toy Brick Peg Notch Prevents Abutting Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy building brick systems limit the creation of cubic patterns and structures due to their design, which restricts users in building complex and aesthetically pleasing arrangements, especially in covering surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a base brick with six female receivers and removable inserts with male pegs that prevent adjacent bricks from abutting, allowing for the construction of cubic structures by enabling frictional coupling and providing covers and extenders for versatile building options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional toy building brick systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to create cubic patterns and cover surfaces effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brick is divided into distinct functional elements: female receivers integrated into the brick body, male pegs as separate attachment components, and removable inserts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility for creating cubic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The male pegs are nested within the female receivers, and removable inserts can be placed inside the brick structure. This nesting arrangement enables compact storage and easy assembly/disassembly while maintaining the cubic building capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional toy building brick systems are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the aesthetic appearance and surface covering capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different surfaces of the brick are equipped with different connection mechanisms (female receivers on some faces, male pegs on others), allowing each surface to be optimized for its specific building function. This enables effective surface covering while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized local features.
Solution Approach 2:
The brick design incorporates multiple connection types (female receivers and male pegs) that can interface with various other bricks and building elements, providing universal compatibility. This multi-functionality enhances surface covering capability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If male pegs are positioned without notches, then the structure is simpler, but adjacent male pegs can abut and bias bricks apart, reducing structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The male peg incorporates an asymmetric notch feature that breaks the rotational symmetry. This asymmetric design ensures that adjacent male pegs cannot abut against each other, preventing bricks from being biased apart while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The notch in the male peg is designed to preemptively prevent the harmful abutting action between adjacent pegs. By providing a geometric feature that blocks the abutting motion before it can occur, the design maintains brick assembly stability without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
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
Enables users to build complex cubic structures and cover surfaces with improved aesthetics, allowing for simultaneous building in multiple directions and creating patterns not possible with traditional toy brick systems.
Implementation Method 1
enabling frictional coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A toy building brick system includes a brick which has an outer surface including a plurality of outer walls. A male peg is attached to one of the outer walls. The male peg is configured to engage a female connector and includes a post having a terminal end. The terminal end has an outer peripheral edge. The outer peripheral edge has a notch positioned therein. The notch faces an adjacent edge of the outer wall attached to the male peg to prevent adjacent male pegs of adjacent bricks from abutting in such a manner that the male pegs bias the adjacent bricks apart from each other.