Toy Building Element Radially Flexible Coupling Stud
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy building elements often exhibit unstable coupling, leading to constructions that can break easily or are difficult to maintain intact, particularly in cases where disassembly is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates radially flexible coupling studs with axial flaps that engage and disengage securely, allowing for strong and durable yet releasable connections through the use of locking studs, ensuring stability without locking the elements permanently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling studs and cavities are used for toy building elements, then the coupling is simple and easy to assemble, but the coupling stability is insufficient and constructions can break easily
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling stud incorporates a radially flexible portion that can dynamically change its state between flexible (for easy coupling) and locked (for stable connection). This dynamic property allows the same component to facilitate both easy assembly and strong coupling stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism changes the radial flexibility parameter of the coupling stud. During assembly, the radially flexible portion allows radial deformation for easy insertion. Once coupled, the locking stud engages with the cavity to maintain a locked state, changing the flexibility parameter from high (during assembly) to low (during use), thereby achieving both ease of assembly and coupling stability.
2Reliability
If a strong and durable coupling is implemented with locking studs, then construction stability is improved, but the ability to easily disassemble is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system maintains a dynamic state where the locking stud can be easily engaged during assembly but requires a specific action (pulling force) to disengage. The radially flexible portion remains capable of radial deformation, allowing the locked state to be maintained during normal use but enabling controlled disassembly when needed, thus balancing construction stability with ease of disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking stud is designed to prevent accidental disassembly by engaging with the cavity in a locked position. However, the design anticipates intentional disassembly by allowing a pulling force to overcome the locking engagement, thereby providing preliminary protection against unwanted separation while maintaining ease of intentional disassembly.
3Strength
If the coupling mechanism is made more complex with additional locking features, then coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coupling and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The locking stud and radially flexible portion work together as a unified system where the locking feature is inherent to the coupling process itself, rather than being a separate complex mechanism. This integration achieves strong coupling without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the engagement of the locking stud with the cavity. The radially flexible portion automatically engages with the locking feature during the coupling process, eliminating the need for additional locking actions or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach strengthens the coupling while keeping the device simple.
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
This configuration provides a strong and durable coupling that prevents accidental disassembly while allowing easy disconnection with a pulling force, maintaining construction integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising a radially flexible portion configured to bend radially to engage and disengage a cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a toy building element for a modular building game. The toy building element comprises one or more hollow coupling studs for coupling the toy building element to another toy building element in a releasable manner. Each coupling stud extends along a respective longitudinal axis and defines internally an axial through cavity configured to receive, in a removable manner, a locking stud apt to lock the toy building element to another toy building element coupled thereto. Each coupling stud comprises a coupling part and a receiving part for receiving the coupling part of a coupling stud of another toy building element. The coupling part comprises at least a radially flexible portion for engaging/disengaging a receiving part of a coupling stud of another toy building element. The radially flexible portion is configured to cooperate with one said locking engaging the cavity so that its radial bending is limited by the locking stud so as to prevent the coupling part from disengaging from the receiving part of a coupling stud of another toy building element.