Toy Construction Element with Moving Member for Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction blocks lack a mechanism for easy detachment and reconfiguration, limiting creative play patterns and structural stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a moving member that translates along a perpendicular axis within the block, allowing for the detachment of connected blocks by pushing off attached construction elements, facilitated by a rocking member or cam mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional interlocking blocks are used, then structural stability is achieved, but detachment and reconfiguration become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a moving member (cam or rocking member) that can transition between different positions to change the interlocking state. The cam rotates between a first position (engaged) and a second position (disengaged), dynamically altering the connection between blocks. This allows the structure to transition from a stable interlocked state to an easily separable state, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and detachment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the moving member in an engaged state that automatically secures the interlocking blocks upon assembly. The cam or rocking member is designed to engage with the interlocking elements by default, providing immediate structural stability when blocks are connected. This preliminary engagement eliminates the need for additional fastening steps while maintaining stability, and allows for quick release when the moving member is actuated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blocks are firmly interlocked, then structural stability is maintained, but creative reconfiguration and play patterns are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The moving member provides dynamic control over the interlocking state, allowing users to transition between stable and reconfigurable states as needed. The cam mechanism can be rotated to engage or disengage connections, enabling creative reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity when connected. This dynamic control directly addresses the contradiction by making the connection state changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection mechanism into separate controllable segments through the moving member. Each interlocking connection can be independently engaged or disengaged by actuating the moving member, allowing selective reconfiguration of different parts of the structure. This segmentation enables partial disassembly and reconfiguration without requiring complete detachment, enhancing adaptability while preserving overall structural stability.
3Ease of operation
If a moving member mechanism is added, then detachment and reconfiguration become easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving member (cam or rocking member) serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for detachment and as part of the interlocking structure itself. The cam's rotation simultaneously controls engagement/disengagement and can be integrated into the block's existing geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the moving member with the existing interlocking elements of the block. The cam or rocking member is integrated into the block structure rather than being a separate attachment, combining the detachment mechanism with the structural component. This merging approach minimizes additional parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while providing the desired ease of detachment and reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a toy construction element having an outer shell and moving members that can extend from and retract into openings in a face of the outer shell. The toy construction element may have a plurality of pegs for attaching to other engagement elements (e.g., blocks or figurines) and the openings may each be centered with respect to a 2×2 arrangement of pegs on the face. The moving members may be in contact with an actuating member, e.g., opposing arms of a rocking member. As one moving member is pushed down the rocking member may lift the other moving member. Upon attaching an engagement element to the toy construction element, one moving member can be pushed down to force up the other moving member so that the engagement element is released. Other actuating members may be used, such as push-rods or camshafts.