Toy Construction System with Wireless Tag Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toy construction systems require high abstract thinking and technical insight for users to configure complex models with multiple function elements, making it difficult for children to create interactive assemblies without detailed knowledge of control structures and electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A toy construction system with detachable function elements and a tag construction element that communicates configuration data wirelessly, allowing users to easily configure the behavior of multiple function elements by proximity, eliminating the need for central control units and complex programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If graphical programming environments are used to control function elements, then the programming becomes more intuitive and easier to use, but it still requires a certain amount of abstract thinking and a computer or similar device to execute the programming environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of programmingVSAvoidrequirement for computer or similar device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the programming functionality from the computer environment and embeds it directly into the toy construction elements themselves. Each construction element contains a processor that can execute programming instructions stored in memory, eliminating the need for external computers while maintaining the benefits of structured programming approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the toy construction elements universal by equipping them with processors and memory capabilities. These elements can both execute programming instructions and communicate with other elements, serving multiple functions including computation, control, and inter-element coordination without requiring external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tag elements are used to assign behavior to function elements, then individual function elements can be configured, but it requires handling a relatively large number of tags and provides only limited play value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidease of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the configuration data storage and processing capabilities directly into the construction elements themselves. Instead of using separate tag elements, each construction element contains its own processor and memory, allowing it to store and execute programming instructions locally while maintaining the ability to receive commands from other elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The construction elements are equipped with self-contained processors and memory that enable them to autonomously store, execute, and manage programming instructions. Each element can independently configure its own behavior and communicate with other elements without requiring external programming devices or multiple separate tag elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple function construction elements are assembled to create complex models, then rich functionality is achieved, but the resulting behavior is complex and difficult to configure without detailed knowledge of control structures and electrical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality richnessVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical and electrical connection systems with a wireless communication-based control system. Construction elements communicate programming instructions and data to each other through wireless signals, eliminating the need for users to manually connect electrical wires or understand complex control structures while enabling rich interactive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12121827B2Toy construction system with interactive function construction elements

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 LEGO AS

AI summary

A toy construction system comprising a plurality of toy construction elements including a plurality of function construction elements. The toy construction elements and the function construction elements are detachably interconnected with each other forming a toy construction model. The toy construction model comprising at least a subset of the plurality of toy construction elements; each function construction element comprising a function device adapted to perform a user-perceptible function. The toy construction system further comprises a tag construction element detachably connectable to one or more of the toy construction elements. The tag construction element and the function construction elements are configured for communication of configuration data from the tag construction element to each of the subset of function construction elements when the tag construction element is connected to a toy construction element. Each function construction element of the subset is configured to control the function device responsive to the communicated configuration data.