Toy Building Element Snap-Fit Connection via Circular Bore and Annular Bead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing building element systems require complex and costly manufacturing processes due to the need for intricate molds to produce connecting means with narrow rims and protruding latching bosses, making the production of tightly connected building elements complicated.
Innovation Solution
The system employs rotationally symmetric connecting means, featuring a circular bore with inward latching projections and an annular bead, allowing for a stable and easy-to-manufacture connection without the need for undercuts or slides, using elastic material properties for a secure snap-fit mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If square-shaped assembly openings with narrow rims and protruding latching bosses are used, then a tight connection between building elements is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for intricate molds with slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the square-shaped assembly opening with a circular bore and the protruding latching bosses with an annular bead. This curvilinear transformation eliminates the need for complex mold slides, as circular geometries can be formed with simple rotating mold cavities, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the snap-fit mechanism of the annular bead engaging the circular bore
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetric positioning features (such as offset latching projections or non-circular cross-sections in specific orientations) within the otherwise symmetric circular bore and annular bead design. This allows the connection to achieve both rotational symmetry for easy assembly and asymmetric elements for precise positioning and tilt resistance, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and functional performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If latching bosses are configured to jut out from the resilient projection, then a stable latching connection is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex requiring multiple slides on molds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the protruding latching bosses with a continuous annular bead that forms an integrated snap-fit mechanism. The annular bead engages with the circular bore through elastic deformation, creating a stable latching connection without requiring any protruding elements. This curved, continuous geometry can be manufactured in a single molding operation without slides, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining latching stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in material parameters (elasticity) and geometric parameters (cross-sectional area of the annular bead) to achieve the latching function. The annular bead is designed with sufficient elasticity to deform during insertion and then spring back to create a secure fit, eliminating the need for mechanical protrusions and complex mold slides
3Manufacturing precision
If narrow-rimmed square openings are used for assembly, then precise positioning is achieved, but the molds require complicated slides to produce the undercuts and projections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the square opening with a circular bore, which inherently provides precise positioning through its geometric symmetry and uniform curvature. The circular shape eliminates the need for complex slide mechanisms required to form square corners and narrow rims, as circular cavities can be easily created with simple rotating mold components, thereby achieving both positioning precision and manufacturing simplicity
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 design simplifies the production of building elements and molds, enabling a tight, force-fit connection while allowing for various geometries and easy assembly and disassembly, even by children, with enhanced tilting resistance and flexibility in building structures.
Implementation Method 1
it snaps behind the latching projections due to the respective elastic material properties, i.e. elastic deformations ensue on the part of the latching projections and/or of the annular bead
Data Source
AI summary
Building element system comprising first and second building elements, in particular toy building elements, wherein, for the releasable connection of a first building element to a second building element, a first connecting means is provided on the first building element and a second connecting means is provided on the second building element, which connecting means can be latched together, wherein the first connecting means (2) is a circular bore (3) situated on the building element side and having at least two latching projections (4) which jut inward in the manner of a chord, and the second connecting means (15) is an annular bead (16) configured on a projection (17) situated on the building element side.