U.S. patent application number 10/055038 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for modular structure.
Invention is credited to Lazerman, Leon.
Application Number | 20020115373 10/055038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23004181 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020115373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lazerman, Leon |
August 22, 2002 |
Modular structure
Abstract
This invention is a modular device that uses permanent-magnets
and electro-magnets to hold their position and reconfigure their
position. The device has a variety of possible sizes, shapes and
forms but all use the same principle of "complementary geometry".
In its simplest form it could be used as a child's toy. A dozen or
so 3" blocks with only permanent-magnets and using this
"complementary geometry" system, would allow the most uncoordinated
child a frustration free assembly of their building blocks, because
the blocks would literally slide into place. In a more complex
example: the device could be used as a digital display. By having a
matrix of devices with permanent & electro-magnets, and with
different colored sides, one could display charter of text by
electronically rotating specific blocks in the matrix to create the
pattern of a letter(s). With the same principle and using a larger
matrix it is possible to display real life images. In an even more
complex example of this invention: this modular structure could
transform itself from one shape to another, only by using the same
principles as the said digital display. Electronically the device
would morph in three dimensions. In conjunction with a CAD system,
this Modular Structure with a matrix of thousands of tiny blocks
would be a new type of rapid prototyping system for Industrial
Designers.
Inventors: |
Lazerman, Leon; (Woodbrige,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Leon Lazerman
5032 Clanranald ave. apt. 11
Montreal
QC
H3X 2S2
CA
|
Family ID: |
23004181 |
Appl. No.: |
10/055038 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60264012 |
Jan 26, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20130101;
A63H 33/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/85 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/04 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or
property is claimed are defined as follows;
1. A modular structure, said modular structure comprising: at least
two building blocks, each of said building blocks including a block
body defining at least one block connecting face, said block
connecting face defining a block external connecting configuration;
a linking component, said linking component defining a pair of
linking component connecting faces, each of said linking component
connecting faces defining a linking component external
configuration that is configured and sized so as to at least
partially mate complimentarily with the block external connecting
configuration of one of said blocks; a magnetic force generating
means for generating a magnetic field, said magnetic force
generating means being anchored either to said block body and/or to
said linking component so as generate a magnetic force that
emanates respectively either through said block external connecting
configuration and/or said linking component external
configurations; whereby the block external connecting configuration
of each of said blocks are adapted to be positioned in a facing
relationship relative to each other with said linking component
external configurations at least partially mating complimentarily
with the block external connecting configuration of said blocks,
said magnetic force generating means exerting a magnetic force that
releasably maintains said building blocks coupled by said linking
component.
2. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said block
external connecting configuration takes the form of a recess and
said a linking component external configurations take the form of
complementary protrusions.
3. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said block
external connecting configuration takes the form of a protrusion
and said a linking component external configurations take the form
of complementary recesses.
4. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said magnetic
force generating means is anchored to said block body so as
generate a magnetic force that emanates through said block external
connecting configuration.
5. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said magnetic
force generating means is anchored to said linking component so as
generate a magnetic force that emanates through said linking
component external configurations.
6. A modular structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said block
external connecting configuration takes the form of a concavity
defining a generally curved recess inner surface.
7. A modular structure as recited in claim 6 wherein said linking
component external configurations take the form of generally
rounded convexities.
8. A modular structure as recited in claim 6 wherein said linking
component has a generally lenticular configuration.
9. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said magnetic
force generating means is a magnet component made out of a
magnetized piece of material.
10. A modular structure as recited in claim 6 wherein said magnetic
force generating means is a magnet component made out of a
magnetized piece of material, said magnet component being embedded
within said block body so that a magnet outer surface thereof
merges with said curved recess inner surface.
11. A modular structure as recited in claim 10 wherein said outer
surface of said magnet component has a generally diamond-shaped
configuration.
12. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said
complementary block external connecting configurations and said a
linking component external configurations allow both of said block
bodies to pivot relative to said linking component about a common
pivotal axis while maintaining said block bodies and said linking
component in contact with each other.
13. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said block
body has a generally polyhedral configuration defining a plurality
of block connecting faces.
14. A modular structure as recited in claim 13 wherein said block
body has a cubic configuration.
15. A modular structure as recited in claim 13 wherein said block
body has a generally frustro-conical configuration.
16. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said linking
component is permanently attached to on e of said block connecting
faces.
17. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said magnetic
force generating means is an electro-magnet component.
18. A modular structure as recited in claim 1, wherein each
building block and each linking component is provided with a set of
electro-magnets, said modular structure being provided with a
selective actuating means for selectively activating the formation
of the magnetic field of at least some of said electro-magnets
according to a predetermined activation pattern.
19. A modular structure as recited in claim 18 wherein said
selective actuating means includes a means for generating said
predetermined pattern; said electro-magnets and said building
blocks being configured, sized and positioned so that selective
activation of the electro-magnets according to said predetermined
pattern modifies the configuration of said modular structure
20. A modular structure as recited in claim 18 wherein said
selective actuating means includes a set of receivers; each
receiver being coupled to a corresponding electro-magnet; said
selective actuating means also including an emitter for selectively
emitting a signal ; whereby upon reception of said signal from said
emitter, each receiver, in turn, sends a signal to the
corresponding electro-magnet to which it is coupled for activating
the latter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of
modular structures and is particularly concerned with a modular
structure made of building blocks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There exists a plurality of situations wherein it is
desirable to form three dimensional modular structures. One example
of such situations is in the field of toys. Indeed, numerous
geometric puzzles have been known in the past, both in two
dimensions as in plane geometry and in three dimensions as in solid
geometry. Building blocks toys have been popular for many decades
as an educational forum for the development of a child's
imagination and creativity in the construction of three dimensional
objects. The conventional building block toys have designs ranging
from simple cubicle blocks to complex geometrical shapes having
various interlocking means.
[0003] One of the most popular building block typically defines a
generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration having
three pairs of opposing surfaces in which one of the pairs of
opposing surfaces is provided with complimentary interengaging
formations while the remaining pairs of opposing surfaces remain
substantially planar.
[0004] An example of such arrangement is the conventional brick,
suitable for constructing a wall or the like. Such prior art brick
typically have a major surface that includes, spaced from the edge
of the brick, two upraised projections and an opposite major
surface. The major surface, in turn, includes, spaced from the
edges of the brick two corresponding recesses.
[0005] The projections and recesses are arranged so that two
identical bricks may be placed in an end-to-end relationship
relative to each other. A third identical brick is typically placed
on top of the other two with one of its recesses accommodating one
projection from one of the two bricks and one of its recesses
accommodating one projection from the other of the two bricks
thereby interlocking the bricks together.
[0006] Another conventional building block design includes a
generally rectangular interlocking building blocks having
complimentary projections and recesses on opposite of its major
surfaces, the projections being provided with ribs arranged to form
at least one upstanding cruciform shape.
[0007] One of the major problem associated with the hereinabove
disclosed type of toy building blocks is that the blocks must be
arranged in one of the limited orientations. This greatly limits
the design of any construction incorporating the blocks.
Furthermore, the type of links between the blocks does not allow
relative movement between the blocks once they are assembled.
[0008] In order to circumvent the hereinabove mentioned
disadvantages, some prior art building blocks have been provided
with relatively complex interconnecting means typically taking the
form of slotted pegs, metal springs, metal screws and the like
which are awkward to manipulate especially for a given child. The
overall complexity associated with such toys typically frustrates a
child in not wanting to play further. Furthermore, some of the
complex interconnecting means associated with prior art building
blocks not only increase the overall manufacturing cost thereof but
also potentially creates safety hazards.
[0009] There exists various other situations in numerous fields
wherein an improved modular structure made of building blocks would
prove to be most desirable. For example, in the field of robotics
there exist a long felt need for a modular structure that can
easily be configured according to various configurations. Such a
configurable modular structure could be used for numerous
applications. For example in the medical field and other fields it
would be most desirable to be provided with a three dimensional
structure that can be re-configured according to specific needs
without external physical contacts with the actual
three-dimensional structure.
[0010] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved
construction block design allowing for the construction of an
improved modular structure and for an improved modular
structure.
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a modular structure, the modular structure comprising: at
least two building blocks, each of the building blocks including a
block body defining at least one block connecting face, the block
connecting face defining a block external connecting configuration;
a linking component, the linking component defining a pair of
linking component connecting faces, each of the linking component
connecting faces defining a linking component external
configuration that is configured and sized so as to at least
partially mate complimentarily with the block external connecting
configuration of one of the blocks; a magnetic force generating
means for generating a magnetic field, the magnetic force
generating means being anchored either to the block body and/or to
the linking component so as generate a magnetic force that emanates
respectively either through the block external connecting
configuration and/or the linking component external configurations;
whereby the block external connecting configuration of each of the
blocks are adapted to be positioned in a facing relationship
relative to each other with the linking component external
configurations at least partially mating complimentarily with the
block external connecting configuration of the blocks, the magnetic
force generating means exerting a magnetic force that releasably
maintains the building blocks coupled by the linking component.
[0012] Preferably, the complementary block external connecting
configurations and the linking component external configurations
allow both of the block bodies to pivot relative to the linking
component about a common pivotal axis while maintaining the block
bodies and the linking component in contact with each other.
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic force generating means is a magnet component made out of a
magnetized piece of material. In accordance with another embodiment
of the invention, the magnetic force generating means is an
electro-magnet component.
[0014] In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, each
building block and each linking component is provided with a set of
electro-magnets, the modular structure being provided with a
selective actuating means for selectively activating the formation
of the magnetic field of at least some of the electro-magnets
according to a predetermined activation pattern.
[0015] Conveniently, the selective actuating means includes a means
for generating the predetermined pattern; the electro-magnets and
the building blocks being configured, sized and positioned so that
selective activation of the electro-magnets according to the
predetermined pattern modifies the configuration of the modular
structure
[0016] Conveniently, the selective actuating means includes a set
of receivers; each receiver being coupled to a corresponding
electro-magnet; the selective actuating means also including an
emitter for selectively emitting a signal; whereby upon reception
of the signal from the emitter, each receiver, in turn, sends a
signal to the corresponding electro-magnet to which it is coupled
for activating the latter.
[0017] Advantages of the present invention include that the
proposed modular structure is made out of building blocks and
linking components that allow for releasable linking of the
components while providing adequate structural rigidity. Also, the
modular structure allows for selective relative movement between
the components even when they are in an assembled state, hence
allowing the modular structure to change its configuration while
remaining in an assembled state.
[0018] Furthermore, the proposed components of the improved modular
structure allow for ergonomical handling thereof without requiring
special tooling or manual dexterity. In at least one embodiment of
the invention, the components of the modular structure can be moved
relative to each other without the need for the intended user to
physically contact the structure.
[0019] Another advantage of the present invention relates to the
fact that the modular structure could optionally be provided with
means for allowing the self-modification of its structural
configuration through the use of magnets or other force generating
means. This additional feature could lead to the construction of
functional structures such as miniature robots that could be used
in the medical field or any other suitable fields.
[0020] Still further, the components of the proposed modular
structure are specifically designed so as to provide an aesthetical
pleasing modular structure. Furthermore, the proposed modular
structure is specifically designed so as to provide building
components that are manufacturable using conventional forms of
manufacturing so as to provide a modular structure that will be
economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will now be
disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following
drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
component part of the modular structure in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
shown in FIG. 1 having linking components attached thereto.
[0024] FIG. 3: in an exploded view, illustrates the building block
component and associated linking components shown in FIG. 2 with
the linking components removed from the building block.
[0025] FIG. 4: illustrates various elevational side, top and bottom
views of the building block shown in FIG. 1
[0026] FIG. 5: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of
building blocks about to be linked together by a linking
component.
[0027] FIG. 6: illustrates the building blocks and linking
component shown in FIG. 5 in a proximal relationship relative to
each other.
[0028] FIG. 7: illustrates the building blocks shown in FIGS. 5 and
6 attached by the linking component in an assembled
configuration.
[0029] FIG. 8: in a perspective view, illustrates an additional
building block being attached to the modular structure shown in
FIG. 7 using another linking component.
[0030] FIG. 9: in a perspective view, illustrates the assembled
configuration using three (3) building blocks.
[0031] FIG. 10: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 11: orthographic views, illustrates the various sides
of the building block shown in FIG. 10.
[0033] FIG. 12: in an exploded view, illustrates the building block
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 having linking components about to be
attached thereto.
[0034] FIG. 13: in a perspective view, illustrates the building
block and associated linking components shown in FIG. 12 in a
proximal relationship relative to the building block.
[0035] FIG. 14: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
having linking components attached thereto.
[0036] FIG. 15: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
building block having two connecting faces.
[0037] FIG. 16: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
The building block being shown with one connecting face.
[0038] FIG. 17: in a side elevational view, illustrates various
configurations of linking components.
[0039] FIG. 18: in an exploded view, illustrates a building block
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention
having three (3) different block connecting face configuration and
associated linking components about to link corresponding
differently shaped linking blocks.
[0040] FIG. 19: in an elevational view, illustrates various
configurations of block connecting faces.
[0041] FIG. 20a: inside an elevational view, illustrates the
configuration of a linking component associated with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 20b: in an exploded view, illustrates a linking block
using linking components such as shown in FIG. 20a for connecting
spacing components thereto.
[0043] FIG. 21: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention
having a geometrical cross sectional plane extending
therethrough.
[0044] FIG. 22: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block
having been cut along the geometrical plane shown in FIG. 21.
[0045] FIG. 23: in a transversal cross sectional view, illustrates
the internal configuration of a building block and the
complementary connection face such as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.
[0046] FIGS. 24 THROUGH 29: illustrates relative movements between
a pair of building blocks attached together using the configuration
shown in FIGS. 21 through 23.
[0047] FIG. 30: in a perspective view, illustrates the
configuration modification of a modular structure formed with
building blocks in accordance with the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 31: in a perspective view, illustrates the change of
configuration of a matrix formed by building blocks such as shown
in FIGS. 1 through 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a modular structure (10)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
modular structure (10) includes at least two building blocks (12).
Each building block (12) includes a block body defining at least
one complementary connecting face (14). The complementary
connecting face (14) defines a block external connecting
configuration.
[0050] The modular structure (10) also includes a linking component
(16). The linking component (16) defines a pair of linking
component connecting faces (18). Each linking component connecting
face define a corresponding linking component external
configuration that is configured and sized so as to at least
partially mate complimentarily with the adjacent block external
connecting configuration of one of the blocks (12).
[0051] The modular structure (10) further includes a magnetic force
generating means for generating a magnetic field. The magnetic
force generating means is anchored either to the block body or to
the linking component (16) so as to generate a magnetic force that
emanates respectively either through the block external connecting
configuration or the linking component external configuration.
[0052] Typically, the block external configuration takes the form
of a recess and the linking component external configuration takes
the form of complimentary protrusions. Alternatively, the block
external connecting configuration could take the form of a
protrusion and the linking component external configuration could
take the form of a complimentary recess.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic
force generating means is anchored to the block body so as to
generate a magnetic force that emanates through the block external
connecting configuration. Alternatively, the magnetic force
generating means could be anchored to the linking component (16) so
as to generate a magnetic force that emanates through the linking
component external configuration.
[0054] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 16, the block
external connecting configuration takes the form of a concavity
defining a generally curved recess inner surface. In FIGS. 1
through 16, the linking component (16) has correspondingly
generally rounded convexities. Preferably, the rounded convexities
form a generally lenticular configuration.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, each building
block (12) has a generally hexagonal configuration defining a six
block connecting faces (14). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10
through 14, the connecting block has a generally triangular
configuration defining three connecting faces (14) while the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively define building
blocks having two and one connecting faces (14). Alternatively,
each building block could have a generally frustro-conical
configuration or any other suitable configuration without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0056] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 17 through 20b,
there is shown alternative embodiments of the invention wherein
from the connecting blocks (12') have generally cylindrical
configurations defining longitudinally opposed connecting faces
(14'). FIG. 17, illustrates various configurations of linking
components (16) while FIG. 19, illustrates corresponding
configuration of connecting faces (14).
[0057] One of the main features of the present invention resides in
the presence of the magnetic force generating means. In one
embodiment of the invention, the magnetic force generating means is
a permanent magnet component made out of a magnetized piece of
material. The permanent magnet component may be embedded within the
block body so that a magnet outer surface (20) thereof merges with
the curved recess inner surface (14).
[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic force
generating means includes at least one electro-magnet component
(22). Adjacent electro-magnet components can produce attractive or
repulsive forces as is well known in the art. As illustrated in
FIGS. 21 through 31, the outer surfaces of both the building blocks
(12) and the linking components (16) are preferably lined with a
plurality of electro-magnet components (22). Alternatively, either
or both the building blocks (12) and linking components (16) can be
provided with combinations of permanent magnets and/or
electro-magnets.
[0059] In some embodiments of the invention, the modular structure
is provided with a selective actuating means for selectively
activating the formation of the magnetic field of at least some of
said electro-magnets according to a predetermined activation
pattern.
[0060] Typically, the selective actuating means includes a means
for generating the predetermined pattern. The electro-magnets and
the block (12) are typically configured, sized and positioned so
that the selective activation of the electro-magnets according to
the predetermined pattern modifies the configuration of the modular
structure.
[0061] For example, in FIG. 30, the selective activation according
to a predetermined sequence of the electro magnets (22) located on
the surface of building block (12) and on the surface of linking
component (16) to create an attractive-repulsive force combined
with the activation of the electro-magnets (22) located on
complementary connecting face (14) to create an
attractive-repulsive force that allows two building blocks (12) to
slide around each other that changes the overall configuration of
the modular structure from a generally rectilinear to a generally
`L"-shaped configuration.
[0062] The selective actuating means can take various forms. In one
embodiment of the invention, the selective actuating means includes
external logic device like a computer. In such an embodiment, the
selective actuating means would reside apart from the invention and
would relay the actuation information through a base in which the
building blocks (12) rest, the information and current would travel
through an array of electrodes (19) on the surface of the building
blocks (12) and connecting faces (14) as shown in FIG. 21.
[0063] In another embodiment of the invention, the selective
actuating means includes an internal logic device like a computer.
In such an embodiment, the selective actuating means would reside
in the building blocks (12) and would relay the actuation
information through and an array of electrodes (19) on the surface
of the building blocks (12) and connecting faces (14) as shown in
FIG. 21.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 21 through 31, grids of electro-magnets
can be strategically positioned on the building blocks (12). When
grids of electro-magnets are used, adjacent building blocks (12)
can be moved relative to each other while remaining in contact with
each other.
[0065] FIGS. 27 through 29, illustrate the relative movement along
three orthogonal axis between adjacent building blocks (12). The
relative movement between the building blocks (12) results from the
selective activation according to a specific pattern of the
electro-magnets (22) positioned at the interface between the block
components (12) and the linking components (16).
[0066] FIG. 30 illustrates the relative movement between three
building blocks (12) showing that a set of three building blocks
(12) can be moved from a generally rectilinear configuration to a
generally L-shaped configuration by the mere selective activation
in a predetermined sequence of the electro-magnets (22) mounted on
the building blocks (12).
[0067] FIG. 31 further generalizes the concept by showing the
relative movement between several building blocks (12) forming a
block matrix. The block structure or matrix changes configuration
from a generally cubic-shaped to a generally flat shape through the
mere activation of the electro-magnates (22) mounted on the
building blocks (12) according to a predetermined activation
sequence or pattern.
[0068] In use, the building blocks (12) are assembled together
using the linking components (16) and can be either manually
displaced relative to each other or moved according to various
patterns using selective activation of magnet components mounted
thereon.
[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the building blocks (12)
and/or the linking components (16) are provided with a colored or
textured outer surface. Relative movements therebetween therefore
creates display of corresponding color patterns. Such a display can
be used for numerous applications including LCD-like displays or
similar applications.
* * * * *