Toy Construction Set Locking Nubs and Dents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction kits face challenges in providing stable, non-rotatable connections that are easily assembled and disassembled by children aged 3 to 8, often requiring high frictional forces and specialized tools, which can be difficult for young children to manage and may lead to misplaced tools and small parts being swallowed.
Innovation Solution
A toy building set with perforated components and connecting elements featuring uniform connecting bores, locking through-holes, countersunk locking holes, and positioning cylinders, allowing for secure connections and easy assembly/disassembly without additional tools, enabling a wide variety of models including rotating parts, using threaded sleeves, nuts, screws, and plug connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high frictional forces are used to achieve stable, non-rotatable connections, then connection stability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical connection system with a positive locking system using locking nubs and locking dents. Instead of relying on frictional forces requiring high tightening torques, the locking nubs on one component engage with locking dents on the adjacent component, providing stable non-rotatable connections through geometric interlocking that children can assemble without special tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from friction-dependent to geometry-dependent by introducing locking nubs and locking dents with specific dimensional parameters. The locking nub dimensions and locking dent positions are designed to provide adequate stability while requiring minimal assembly force, making the system suitable for young children.
2Stability of the object's composition
If special tools are used to achieve high tightening torques, then connection stability is improved, but tool management becomes difficult and tools may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for special tools by replacing the screw-and-nut tightening system with a snap-fit locking mechanism. The locking nubs and locking dents are designed to engage automatically when components are assembled, providing stable connections without requiring wrenches or other specialized tools that would need to be managed during play.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system performs its own locking function through the automatic engagement of locking nubs with locking dents. The components self-lock when brought together, eliminating the need for external tools to achieve and maintain the connection, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation for young children.
3Stability of the object's composition
If components are designed with precise locking features, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking function into two separate features: locking nubs on one component and locking dents on the adjacent component. This segmentation allows each feature to be manufactured independently using simple molding or stamping processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving stable connections through their coordinated engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized dimensional parameters for locking nubs and locking dents that can be consistently manufactured. By defining specific size relationships between these features and the connecting bores, the patent achieves reliable locking functionality through parameter optimization rather than complex geometric features, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1.a
Figure 1.b
Figure 2.a~2.c
AI summary
The kit has a punched spatial components (1) and connectors (2) and an external thread located at outside on a threaded sleeve, and threaded nuts (7) comprising a nuts screw thread that is in active connection with the external thread of the threaded sleeve. An annular groove is located on fix lowering holes opposite to a side surface of a nuts head, where a middle circle diameter of the groove corresponds to diameter of a positioning circle. Width of the annular groove is same as diameter of the fix through-holes in a positioning cylinder.