Toy Construction System Centralized Power and Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction systems require sophisticated construction elements with central processing units, making them expensive and limiting play value to older children due to complex configuration and programming requirements.
Innovation Solution
A toy construction system with an interface construction element that powers all elements via a data processing system, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and allowing easy connection and control of various function and sensor elements through a visual programming environment, enabling children to create complex structures without extensive computer knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If each construction element has its own power supply (battery), then each element can operate independently, but production costs increase and users need to purchase and replace multiple batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power supply functionality into a single central power supply unit that distributes power to multiple construction elements through the connector network. This eliminates the need for individual batteries in each element, reducing both production costs and the complexity of managing multiple power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates both data communication and power transmission capabilities in a single interface. This universal connector serves multiple functions: establishing data-flow connections for programming and control, and simultaneously providing electrical power to connected construction elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If construction elements include central processing units for programmable control, then functionality and play value are enhanced, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate data processing system (computer) as an intermediary that performs the sophisticated processing and programming tasks. The construction elements themselves remain relatively simple, containing only the necessary control circuitry to receive and execute commands from the external computer, thus maintaining functionality while reducing the cost and complexity embedded in each toy element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the complex processing functions into a dedicated external computer environment, while the construction elements focus on executing specific controlled functions. This segmentation allows the complex intelligence to reside where it is most cost-effective (in the computer) rather than duplicating it across all construction elements.
3Ease of operation
If construction elements require configuration and programming, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to complex setup processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic detection and configuration of construction elements through the data processing system. When elements are connected via the connectors, the computer automatically identifies them and configures the programming environment accordingly, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and making the system accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback about the connected construction elements to the data processing system, which then adapts the programming environment to match the detected configuration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to self-adjust and guide the user through the programming process without requiring advance knowledge of the specific element setup.
4Ease of operation
If construction elements are connected via electrical connectors for control signals, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design integrates multiple functions into a single interface: mechanical connection for structural assembly, electrical contacts for power distribution, and data signal paths for control and communication. This universal connector eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and simplifies the connection process to a single plug-and-play operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A toy construction system comprising a plurality of construction elements including one or more function construction elements for performing corresponding functions and including control connection means for communicating with one or more other construction elements; a data processing system providing a programming environment for generating one or more logic commands for controlling the one or more function elements; and an interface construction element comprising first connection means for providing a data-flow connection with the data processing system and for receiving said logic command from the data processing system, a processing unit adapted to convert said logic command into a control signal for controlling a function of said at least one function construction element, and second connection means for providing a control connection with the at least one function construction element via the control connection means of the function construction element, and for outputting the control signal.