Toy Building Connectors for Multi-Angle 3D Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy and puzzle building systems lack versatility in connecting components at various angles and orientations, limiting the creation of complex shapes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A toy building system comprising variously shaped connectors and rods that can be connected in multiple configurations and angles, including straight, right, obtuse, acute, and 3D orientations, using elongated channels and mating portions for secure attachment, allowing for limitless configurations and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional building systems use fixed-angle connectors, then manufacturing is simple, but versatility in creating various angles and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal receiving portion that can accommodate rods at multiple angles (acute, right, obtuse) and orientations (2D and 3D configurations). This single connector design replaces the need for multiple specialized connectors, enabling one component to perform multiple functions across various building configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building systems allow multiple configurations and angles, then creativity and versatility are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates specific geometric parameters including acute angles (less than 90 degrees), right angles (90 degrees), and obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees). These predefined angular parameters enable precise connections at various orientations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized angle specifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed to receive multiple rods in 3D configurations, then structural versatility improves, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design transitions from traditional 2D planar connections to 3D spatial configurations. The receiving portion is engineered to accommodate rods extending in multiple dimensions, enabling connections in x, y, and z directions. This dimensional expansion allows complex 3D structures to be built using the same basic connector type.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy, game, and/or puzzle building system may comprise variously shaped connectors that are operatively attachable to other connectors or rods. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive a rod and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. rods in various angles and orientations. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive another connector. Multiple rods may be connected in 2-D and 3-D configurations and orientations. Both the rods and connectors may be provided in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors, and sizes. Additionally, the connectors may be used with any existing items, such as a plastic or wooden toothpick, straw, stirrer, and the like, that may fit within the receiving portions of the connectors. The toy picks building system may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape.