Toy Building System with Stackable Connectors for Signal Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy building systems require complex programming and high cognitive abilities, limiting their use to older children, as they necessitate manual activation and separate wiring for function building elements, restricting the variety of models and functionalities that can be created.
Innovation Solution
A toy building system with function and control building elements that utilize stackable connectors for easy electrical connection and signal forwarding, eliminating the need for additional wiring and programming, allowing for a variety of functions and flexible model construction through a uniform connection architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If programmable toys with microprocessor control are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functionality into separate control building elements that can be independently connected to function building elements. Each control element handles specific control signals, breaking down the complex programming task into simple physical connections. Children can create different functionalities by simply connecting and disconnecting control elements rather than writing programs.
Solution Approach 2:
Control building elements act as intermediaries between the user and function building elements. Instead of directly programming microprocessors, users interact with simplified control elements that translate physical connections into control signals. This intermediary layer abstracts away the complexity of programming while maintaining functional versatility.
2Measurement precision
If separate wiring is required for each function building element, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control signals are merged into a single connector interface. The control building elements and function building elements use standardized connectors that combine multiple electrical contacts (power, ground, control signals) into one physical connection point. This allows precise control of multiple functions through a single unified connection rather than separate wiring for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides universal interfaces that can simultaneously handle power supply, ground connections, and multiple control signals. A single connector type works across all building elements, enabling one connection to establish multiple electrical pathways for precise control without requiring separate dedicated wires for each function.
3Ease of operation
If manual activation of triggers is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and play value worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static manual triggers to dynamic control signals that can be automatically generated and propagated. Control building elements can respond to various stimuli (physical interaction, sensors, timing) and dynamically activate multiple function elements in sequences or simultaneously, creating more varied and engaging play scenarios while maintaining simple physical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where control signals can be triggered by user interaction and then propagate through connected function elements, creating observable effects that feed back into the play experience. This allows simple manual activation to result in complex, multi-functional responses that enhance play value without increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3
Figure 4a~4c
Figure 5~7b
AI summary
A toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements (210) each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements (400) each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact. Each control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; and each function building element includes an input connector for receiving a control signal and is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. Each function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.