Toy Construction Element with Flexible Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy construction blocks lack the ability to articulate with respect to each other, limiting the complexity and variety of structures that can be assembled, as they are typically connected by rigid parts which restrict movement and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a flexible member with engaging members, such as column and peg portions, allows toy construction elements to be articulated, enabling them to be connected and displaced out of a common plane, facilitating more complex and dynamic assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid parts are used to connect toy construction blocks, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and articulation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and articulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible member (such as a flexible band or strap) to connect toy construction blocks instead of rigid connectors. The flexible member can bend and articulate while maintaining connection between blocks, enabling dynamic structures that can change shape and configuration while remaining stable during play.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If rigid connectors are used between blocks, then connection strength is improved, but movement freedom and structural complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmovement freedom and structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible member provides sufficient connection strength to hold blocks together during play while allowing articulation and movement. This enables creation of complex dynamic structures like articulated vehicles, flexible frameworks, and transformable configurations that rigid connectors cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If traditional interlocking blocks are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural variety and play value deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural variety and play value

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible member connects to blocks through simple engagement features (such as holes or attachment points on the blocks), maintaining ease of assembly. Meanwhile, the flexibility enables diverse structural configurations including articulated mechanisms, flexible frameworks, and dynamic play structures that significantly increase play value and structural variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10953340B2Toy construction element

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 MATTEL-MEGA HOLDINGS US LLC

AI summary

A toy construction element includes a first face recessed from a second face by a recess height, a first peg extending from the second face, and an engaging member disposed on the first face. The first peg has a first peg height relative to the second face. The engaging member may include a column portion and a peg portion, wherein the column portion extends from a first end portion at the first face to a second end portion at which the peg portion is disposed. The column portion may have a column height substantially equal to the recess height, and the peg portion may have a peg portion height substantially equal to the first peg height. A toy construction element may be part of a toy construction assembly, in which an engaging member of the toy construction element connects to a hole defined by a flexible member.