Toy Construction Piece Connection System with Nested Peg and Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toy construction pieces lack connective stability and often restrict builders to orthogonal dimensions, limiting the ability to create solid structures, and existing systems do not allow for versatile and stable connections.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a male and female element with a peg unit and connector core, where the male element includes a connector peg that can be selectively and repeatedly coupled and uncoupled from a receiver cavity in the female element, allowing for stable and versatile assembly of toy construction pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional toy construction pieces use simple connection mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but connective stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector core is nested within the core shell, creating a layered structure where the core shell provides external protection and the connector core provides the connection function. This nesting allows the connection mechanism to be both simple to operate and stable, as the nested structure distributes mechanical stresses across multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector core and core shell are formed from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The connector core uses material optimized for connection stability, while the core shell uses material optimized for durability and ease of handling. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each component to excel at its specific function.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional toy construction pieces use fixed geometric constraints, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector core and peg unit are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple construction configurations. The peg unit can connect to different receiver cavities in various orientations, and the connector core can accommodate different peg types. This universality maintains manufacturing precision through standardized dimensions while providing extensive construction flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional components (peg unit, connector core, core shell) that can be independently manufactured with high precision and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility through standardized interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional toy construction pieces use single-material construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector core and core shell are formed from different materials selected for their specific properties. The connector core uses material optimized for connection strength and repeated coupling, while the core shell uses material optimized for durability and resistance to wear. This composite material approach enhances connection durability without significantly complicating manufacturing, as each component can be molded separately from its optimal material.
Data Source
AI summary
Connection systems for toy construction pieces, toy construction pieces, and toy construction kits. A connection system includes a male connection element and a female connection element. The male connection element includes a peg unit with a connector peg. The female connection element includes at least a portion of a connector core that defines a receiver cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the connector peg and at least a portion of a core shell. A toy construction kit for assembling a constructed assembly includes a plurality of toy construction pieces that collectively embody the connection system. A first construction piece includes the male connection element and a second construction piece includes the female connection element. The connection system is configured to selectively and repeatedly couple the first construction piece and the second construction piece to one another.