Wafer Construction Elements With Slidable Receiver Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction toy sets lack flexibility and variety in interconnection options, limiting user creativity and assembly possibilities, particularly in terms of position and rotation of components.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of wafer-shaped construction elements with receiver passages and protruding keys that allow for slidable mating and rotation, enabling multiple interconnection configurations through uniform dimensioning and shaping, along with the inclusion of slidable elements and accessory components for enhanced compatibility and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional interconnection features are used, then the construction toy set has simple structure and ease of manufacture, but it lacks flexibility and variety in interconnection options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection optionsVSAvoidelement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver passage is designed with multiple receiver tracks (typically four) that can accommodate element keys from different directions and orientations. This universal receiver design allows a single element type to connect with multiple other elements in various configurations, providing numerous interconnection options without requiring multiple specialized element types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The element body is divided into distinct functional zones: receiver passages for connection, element keys for interlocking, and body portions for structural support. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional interconnection features are used, then the construction toy set has simple structure, but it limits user creativity and assembly possibilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly possibilitiesVSAvoidelement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized receiver passage with multiple tracks serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables rotation, allows for various assembly configurations, and maintains compatibility across different element types. This multi-functionality expands assembly possibilities without increasing element structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The element keys are designed to slide within the receiver tracks, allowing elements to be inserted, removed, and repositioned dynamically. This dynamic connection mechanism enables users to easily reconfigure assemblies and explore different creative possibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If wafer-shaped elements with receiver passages and keys are used, then flexibility and compatibility in building configurations is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding configurationsVSAvoiddimensional uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The design specifies precise dimensional parameters for element keys and receiver tracks, including uniform key dimensions, track spacing, and engagement tolerances. By controlling these parameters within tight tolerances, the patent ensures high compatibility and flexibility in building configurations while maintaining manufacturability through standardized dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple receiver tracks are provided in each receiver passage, then interconnection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection flexibilityVSAvoidreceiver passage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple receiver tracks are merged into a single integrated receiver passage structure. This combining of multiple connection paths into one unified component increases interconnection flexibility while avoiding the complexity of separate connection mechanisms for each track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10159905B2Construction toy set of connectable and positionable elements

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 GRACEWOOD MANAGEMENT INC

AI summary

A construction toy set with multiple construction elements, the construction elements having a generally wafer shaped element body with one or more internal receiver passages extending through the element body, the receiver passages having one or more receiver tracks extending laterally across the receiver passage, the element body having one or more element keys protruding laterally from the element body, element key dimensioning providing for insertion of an element key of a first construction element in a receiver track of a second construction element and for slidable mating of the element key of the first construction element with the receiver track of the second construction element.