Toy Construction Set Surface Pin Aperture Interconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy construction sets lack the flexibility and realism to allow children to fully express their imaginative building concepts, as they are limited by one-dimensional connectivity, restricted movement, and limited structural complexity, failing to accurately model real-world constructions.
Innovation Solution
A toy construction set featuring blocks with apertures and connectors with pins arranged in a spaced apart manner, allowing for versatile three-dimensional interconnections that can be easily assembled and disassembled, enabling the creation of complex and realistic structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If LegoTM bricks use male and female connectors on upper and bottom surfaces, then structural connectivity and robustness are improved, but block movement freedom is worsened and surfaces are no longer smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional vertical connection (LegoTM style) to two-dimensional surface connections using pins protruding from block surfaces that can connect to apertures in adjacent blocks. This allows connections in multiple directions (horizontally and vertically) while maintaining smooth block surfaces, as the connection points are on the surface rather than requiring protruding connectors on top and bottom surfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If LegoTM bricks provide predefined structure construction capability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability for imaginative play is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal building blocks with standardized apertures and pins that can connect in multiple configurations and orientations. The blocks can be connected not only vertically but also horizontally and at various angles, allowing the same basic block design to serve multiple construction purposes without requiring specially designed bricks for each structure type.
3Device complexity
If K'Nex toys use rods and sockets for 3D construction, then structural complexity is improved, but realism of construction appearance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection functionality from visible protruding elements (like rods in K'Nex) and integrates it into the block surfaces themselves through apertures and pins. This allows the blocks to maintain their solid, realistic appearance while still providing robust 3D construction capability, as the connection mechanisms are minimal and integrated rather than prominent external rods and sockets.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3G
AI summary
A toy construction set comprising operatively interconnectable blocks (13) and connectors (15). Each of the blocks (13) has one or more apertures (17) formed in relief. Each of the connectors (15) has a base (19, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 43, 49, 53, 55) in the form of a plate or rod and a plurality of pins (21) attached to the base in a spaced apart arrangement for interconnecting blocks (13). The pins (21) are integral with the base plate. The interconnection between a block (13) and a connector (15) is achieved by the pins (21) being positively engaging and releasably retained within one or more of the apertures (17) of the blocks (13). The pins (21) are oppositely disposed of a base plate so that a block (13) can be connected to a connector (15) on one side of the base plate, and another block (13) can be connected to the same connector (15) on the other side of the plate.