CN110465103B

CN110465103B - Modular electronic construction system using magnetic interconnection and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: CN110465103B
Application number: CN201910759040.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿亚·贝迪尔
Original assignee: Orbotix Inc
Current assignee: Sphero Inc
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2013-08-26
Publication date: 2022-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-26
Also published as: MX2020012141A; SG11201501308PA; EP3470127B1; HK1200136A1; BR112015003911A8; CN106215432B; RU2019111471A; AU2018203907B2; JP2015526208A; EP2888019B1; CA2883216A1; CN103974753B; CN106215432A; CN106215433B; BR112015003911A2; RU2686521C2; NZ704976A; JP2019181269A; WO2014032043A1; KR20150086231A

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electronic construction system using magnetic interconnections and a method of use thereof. The invention provides an electrical connector, an electrical module and a system. In one aspect, an electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface and an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion located adjacent the side surface of the housing. The engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector. The connector also includes a magnet supported by the housing adjacent a side surface of the housing, a protrusion extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing. In other aspects, an electrical module includes at least one such electrical connector. In other aspects, the system includes a plurality of such modules that can be selectively connected together.

Description

Modular electronic construction system using magnetic interconnection and method of use thereof

Description of divisional applications

The application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application having an application date of 2013, 8 and 26 months, and an application number of 201610740452.2 entitled "modular electronic building system using magnetic interconnection and method for using the same".

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/728,103 entitled "modulated Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same" filed 11/19 2012 and a continuation-in-part application entitled "modulated Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same" filed 24/8/2012 that claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application 61/527,860 filed 8/26/2011; each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of electronic products, in particular to an electronic building block and a toy building set.

Background

Today, people spend a lot of time on scientific equipment every day, but most people do not know how these scientific equipment work or how to make their own scientific equipment. For all interactivity of these devices, people are tied to passive consumption. Furthermore, playing, creating, or integrating electronic products into items, toys, and products is daunting and time consuming, and requires specialized skill combinations and specialized hardware/software platforms. People fear connecting electronic objects in the wrong way or fear themselves suffering from electric shock. This results in building objects with lights, sounds, buttons and other electronic components that are difficult and unaffordable to children, young students, designers, non-engineers and others who lack the necessary experience. But as technology miniaturization advances, electronic products need to become more acceptable to non-professionals in a cost-effective manner.

Thus, there is clearly an opportunity and a need to produce an electronic building block platform that is simple, easy to use, and acceptable, but still capable of creating a complex and interdependent system. Such a platform would facilitate learning, enable 21 st century experimentation, and promote innovation. Further, there is a need for a system that behaves like add-on material during the authoring process and enables children and adults to combine and integrate the system or its components with other conventional materials (e.g., paper, cardboard, and screws).

The following references provide background information and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: a paper of Ada Bedil (Ayah Bdeir) is contained in 2009, at page 397-400 of the third corpus of the International conference on tangible embedded interactions (TEI' 09) held by ACM in New York, N.Y., U.S. "Electronics as materials: littleBits", see http:// DOI. ACM. Org/10.1145/1517664.1517743, with a DOI of 10.1145/1517664.151774; and Ayah Bdeir & Ted Ullrich, in 2010, in the fifth proceedings of the International conference on tangible Embedded personal interaction (TEI' 11) held by ACM in New York, N.Y., USA, "Electronics as materials: littleBits", see http:// DOI. ACM. Org/10.1145/1935701.1935781, with a DOI of 10.1145/1935701.1935781.

Disclosure of Invention

In certain exemplary aspects, an electronic educational toy or construction system is provided that trains the logic of programming and circuit construction without requiring expertise in either aspect. The module building system comprises pre-assembled Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) interconnected by small magnets. Each block performs one or more independent functions (e.g., LEDs, buttons, light sensors with thresholds, etc.), and the blocks may be combined to create a larger circuit. Some blocks are responsive to external events such as mechanical forces, touch, proximity, radio frequency signals, environmental conditions, and the like. Still other blocks are pre-programmed, such as synthesizers, oscillators, etc. Still other blocks simply pass current, such as junction blocks. There are other blocks that provide current, such as power supply blocks/modules.

In some aspects, a system includes modules with different ways of interaction between the modules. The interaction between modules, rather than the modules themselves, may form building blocks for an innovative platform. In electronic suites of the past, the electronic component may be in a central position of operation: resistors, capacitors, batteries, etc. By manipulating the modules in those kits, the child learns how power flows, how to design the circuit, or how to discern the components. However, this knowledge is specific and characteristic of a single circuit. This is in contrast to, for example, the iPod ^TM How the touch sensitive wheel works, or how the night light works, or how the cell phone vibrates, or how the phone can detect rotation and automatically rotate the image on the screen in response to the rotation, or how to make its own interactive object has little or no relevance. Although we are a society that is addicted to more and more complex electronic devices (e.g., DVD players, MP3 players, cell phones, smoke alarms), the learning tools on the market today only teach very basic knowledge of electronics and electrical engineering, for example, to enable us to turn on lights or observe current flow. There is an increasing gap between what is taught to the average americans and what the americans use and consume. This is also thatThe reason why most electronic suits and toys have a very short life is because such suits and toys are not associated with the user's daily life. To date, there is no method that enables children or adults to create their own innovative items with custom-designed interactive behaviors without the need to program or learn many of the complexities associated with advanced electronics. With the modular system of the present invention, people will be able to program interactivity in an intuitive and tangible way.

The description and drawings herein are by way of illustration of one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting or restrictive. Thus, there are several ways of modifying the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, the words block and module may be used interchangeably to refer to a module circuit board.

Modules may be divided into categories corresponding to their functionality. Examples of categories include, but are not limited to: the device comprises a power supply module, an input module, an output module, a wiring module and the like. The power module takes current from, for example, a battery, wall plug (wall wart), or other power source and converts it to current that feeds other components of the system. In any working construction of the module, at least one power supply module is arranged. Input modules include, but are not limited to: buttons, switches, sensors, logic blocks, etc. Output modules include, but are not limited to: LEDs, display devices, sound modules, etc. The wiring module does not perform a specific function, but rather acts as a wiring extension, a build transformer, and in some cases as a logic and status module.

In one exemplary embodiment, a stand-alone block is provided that may enable users with little or no electronic or programming experience to build basic and complex sensors, as well as interaction-based analog and digital circuits.

In another exemplary embodiment, the general electrical operation of the system is as follows. All modules may include standard interfaces and automatically communicate when connected. Each module includes three power lines, such lines being interconnected between and among all modules. These lines include power, signal and ground. In the power supply module, the power supply line and the signal line are at 5 volts, the system is low power, and all modules share the power supply line and the ground line. In other exemplary embodiments, the power supply may be other than 5 volts, such as 3V, 9V, 12V, 15V, alternating Current (AC), and the like. The input module has an input control signal line, and operates the line according to the function of the module and outputs a modified signal voltage. For example, where the pressure sensor is connected to a power source, the sensor module brings 5 volts into the signal line and outputs a voltage between 0 and 5 volts depending on the amount of pressure applied to the sensor. The output module responds to the signal line by "visualizing" the voltage in light, sound, display or other form.

All modules are pre-assembled, pre-designed and include the logic and circuitry required to make the component easy to use. For example, the LED module includes a resistor corresponding to its current rating, an operational amplifier (OpAmp) as a buffer in the remainder of the circuit, and a button cell module including a discharge protection circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the system does not require prior knowledge of the electronic product and does not require any hardware or software platform. In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include a hardware and/or software platform. Furthermore, in certain exemplary embodiments, the system is stand-alone and does not require a computer or hub (hub) because the modules do not need to be programmed and do not require a central circuit to control the modules. However, according to one exemplary embodiment, the system may be connected to a device such as a computer, hub, memory, or personal electronic mobile device (e.g., cell phone, smart phone, etc.) to generate additional functionality or to obtain information or power from the device.

In certain aspects, the modules are designed to be connected together and cascaded one after another. The module includes magnetic connectors that ensure electrical connection and can be expanded and mounted on a PCB. The magnetic connectors may be in the form of male and female connectors, and may correspond to north and south pole faces of the magnet in some examples. For standard blocks, each block has two magnetic connectors mounted thereon, one with the north pole of the magnet(s) facing outward and the other with the south pole of the magnet(s) facing outward. The south pole facing side of the magnetic connector of one module is connected to the north pole facing side of the magnetic connector of the next module. This ensures proper connection and proper polarity. The repelling polarity prevents the magnets from being connected in an improper manner, thereby facilitating the connection of the modules in a proper manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the magnetic connector includes two magnets and three conductors embedded in an injection molded plastic body. The two magnets act as polarizing and locking elements, while the conductors transmit signals from one circuit board to the next by mating of the male and female connectors. In the male connector form, the three conductors are spring contacts. In the female connector form, the conductors may be spring contacts or small metal pieces. Either way, the spring contacts or the metal sheets contact the spring contacts of the male connector and transmit the electrical signals into the circuit board. The magnetic connector also has the following features: an interlocking system in the form of male and female complementary components as part of a plastic housing. In one example, a male protrusion is included on one piece and a female recess is included on a second piece. The protrusion and recess cooperate to prevent the blocks from sliding over each other. In another example, each block includes a male protrusion and a female recess thereon, which cooperate to prevent the blocks from sliding over each other.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic connector also features an interlock system as part of the plastic housing to prevent the modules from sliding laterally relative to each other and to ensure that the modules are assembled in the correct orientation (i.e., to prevent an upside-down connection). To prevent lateral movement, the connector may include a protrusion on the male or female side that corresponds to a depression on the respective female or male side. Once the modules are connected, the protrusions enter the notches and the modules are sufficiently locked together to prevent lateral movement. In another embodiment, the connector may include a tab feature to inhibit lateral movement. For example, as shown in fig. 12, the portion of the connector closest to the circuit board ("base") includes a circular tab projecting laterally from the connector and a circular notch adjacent to the tab. The corresponding connector will include circular tabs and notches configured as described below: when the two connectors are connected, the circular tab of the first connector is inserted into the circular notch of the second connector and the circular tab of the second connector is inserted into the circular tab of the first connector, thereby locking the two connectors together against lateral movement. To prevent an upside down connection, the connector may include one or more protrusions. For example, as shown in fig. 12, the portion of the connector furthest from the circuit board ("top") includes a series of horizontal projections. When two modules are connected by a user, the horizontal protrusions on the two modules will be properly aligned. Further, due to the circular protrusion on the bottom of the connector, for example, as shown in fig. 12, if the second connector is connected upside down, the horizontal protrusion of the second connector will hit the circular tab of the first connector and prevent the two connectors from being connected improperly.

In addition to the foregoing exemplary connectors, there may be many modifications to the connectors including, but not limited to, the housing, the type of conductors used, the number of conductors, and whether or not magnets are used as conductors, the number of magnets, the shape of the magnets, the polarity of the magnets, the manner in which the connectors are connected to the circuit board of the block, and so forth.

The number of available modules needs to be large in order for the system to be expressive and expandable, rather than limiting the creativity. Generally, having only a few nuts and bolts in the prototyping process is not very helpful, and can even be obstructive. The invention allows new modules to be added based on interconnect and voltage standards. For example, starting with a set of one hundred modules, we can envision and design hundreds or thousands of additional modules that fit and cooperate with existing systems to extend the functionality of the system. For example, we may possibly build modules, such as skin current sensors, arsenic detectors, microcontroller modules, etc., as well as adapter boards or other electronic block building systems and interfaces.

At least one exemplary embodiment has been designed to enable complex behaviors programmed through physical interactions. The component features logic and status modules that introduce programming concepts to beginners. Examples of such blocks are AND (AND), OR (OR), AND NOT (NOT) blocks, AND threshold blocks. These blocks enable a user to program certain behaviors of his/her designed system without the need to learn a programming language, write code on a computer, or program a microcontroller circuit. The programming here is done by creating a decision tree using logic modules. Furthermore, the module has the following features: controls enabling the selection of behaviour patterns, such as switches, knobs and buttons. As with a blender having three buttons, each of which corresponds to a particular speed of the blender motor, certain modules of the present invention allow for selection of modes or adjustment of their behavior. For example, the proximity sensor block may include a mode switch and a potentiometer. By operating the embedded potentiometer, a threshold level can be set, determining the input voltage level above which the module should output "high". Further, by turning the switch, the module can be switched from normally high to normally low, essentially reversing the response of the module to the expected threshold.

All blocks can be designed with space constraints in mind and can be kept at the smallest possible size to allow the block to be easily bonded with other materials (e.g., cardboard, plastic, duct cleaners, etc.). The blocks are user-friendly in their appearance and size, so that playing and manufacturing prototypes with these blocks are equally attractive to children and adults, although for different purposes.

The modules may be provided in individual blocks or sets. These modules may range from standard block components to professional suites (e.g., sensor suites, mechanical suites, bio-suites, sound suites, etc.). In addition, users can design and build their own modules or suites to extend the library.

In certain aspects, an electrical connector is provided that includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion located adjacent the side surface of the housing, wherein the engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector, a magnet supported by the housing adjacent the side surface of the housing, a protrusion extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.

In other aspects, an electrical module is provided that includes a circuit board and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including a connection portion and an engagement portion, wherein the connection portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the circuit board, and wherein the engagement portion is located adjacent the side surface of the housing, a magnet supported by the housing adjacent the side surface of the housing, a protrusion extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.

In other aspects, a system is provided that includes a plurality of electrical modules that are selectively connectable together to transmit electrical current from one electrical module to another, each module having at least one function associated with the module and including an electrical connector adapted to connect to an electrical connector of another one of the electrical modules, wherein the function of at least one of the plurality of electrical modules is dependent on at least another one of the plurality of electrical modules with the electrical connectors connected together.

In other aspects, a system is provided that includes a plurality of electrical modules adapted to be selectively connected to one another, wherein the plurality of electrical modules includes at least a first electrical module and a second electrical module, the first electrical module including a first circuit board and a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector including a first housing, a first electrical conductor supported by the first housing and including a first connection portion and a first engagement portion, wherein the first connection portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the first circuit board, a first magnet supported by the first housing, a first protrusion extending from the first housing, and a first receptacle defined in the first housing. The second electrical module includes a second circuit board and a second electrical connector including a second housing, a second electrical conductor supported by the second housing and including a second connection portion adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the second circuit board, a second magnet supported by the second housing, a second projection extending from the second housing, a second receptacle defined in the second housing, wherein, when the first electrical module is connected to the second electrical module, the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the second magnet, the first engagement portion engages the second engagement portion, the first projection is at least partially positioned within the second receptacle, and the second projection is at least partially positioned within the first receptacle.

The invention is capable of various modifications and alternative constructions, some of which are described in detail below in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiments or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, additions, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. The unique features and unique advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary module of a system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a set of three modules before the three modules are connected;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the three modules shown in FIG. 3 after connection, showing how the modules are connected together using the magnetic connectors of the modules;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic connector of the module;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the magnetic connector shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary configuration of four modules;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary module of the system featuring control;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary set of three modules of the system, including one module illustrating physical programming by the control device;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary belt pack including a plurality of exemplary modules and an exemplary mounting plate for mounting the modules;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary patching module of the system;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an exemplary output module of the system;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another exemplary output module of the system;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of an exemplary input module of the system;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of another exemplary input module of the system;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an exemplary power input module of the system;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an exemplary multi-module nest of the system;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of another exemplary module and another exemplary mounting plate of the exemplary system, each module including at least one other exemplary connector for connecting the modules together;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the two modules shown in FIG. 18 connected together;

FIG. 20 is a top exploded view of one of the modules shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a top exploded view of one of the connectors shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of two exemplary modules connected together and an exemplary support member connected to two connectors;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the support member shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an exemplary mounting plate attached to an exemplary configuration of a toy building block;

FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting plate and exemplary toy building block shown in FIG. 24;

26A-26D are each schematic illustrations of a top view of different embodiments of a module;

27A-27B are each a schematic illustration of a top view of different embodiments of a module.

Before any unique features and embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, directional terminology (e.g., "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," etc.) is not intended to be limiting, but rather is used herein to describe exemplary illustrative embodiments.

Detailed Description

An exemplary electronic build system 30 is provided. The electronic construction system 30 is not only meant to be used with pre-designed components and modules 34, but may also allow a user to combine these modules 34 with other conventional prototypes and entertainment items in a design studio or home. Such materials may include, for example, paper, cardboard, wood, glue, pig (pipe cleaner), foam, and the like, thereby encouraging individuals to treat the electronic product as a material in the creation process.

In certain exemplary embodiments, system 30 may include at least four different types of modules 34: power, input, output, and wiring; however, there may be more types of modules 34. Power module 34 provides power to system 30. The input module 34 interprets the data or its surroundings and provides this input to the system 30. Output module 34 makes visual, physical, or audio changes to its surroundings based on one or more inputs to system 30. The patching modules 34 provide for power and communication lines between the modules 34 in the system 30.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first module 34 is connected to the second module 34, the power signal is transmitted from the first module 34 to the second module 34. Accordingly, the second module 34 is completely powered by the first module 34. If the button module 34, sensor module 34, or other module 34 is placed somewhere between the first module 34 and the second module 34, the current may be affected by the action of the button module 34 or sensor module 34. For example, current may not pass from the first module 34 to the second module 34 (or alternatively, current may pass continuously from the first module 34 to the second module 34) unless a button on the button module 34 is pressed or a sensor on the sensor module 34 is activated. Similarly, if the sensor module 34 is only partially energized, only a portion of the current is transferred from the first module 34 to the second module 34.

There may be many different types of modules 34 in each category, including but not limited to the following: (i) a power supply module: the device comprises a wall type power supply module, a battery power supply module, a solar power supply module and a discharge protection circuit; (ii) an input module: the device comprises a pulse module, a pressure sensor module, a proximity module, an input recording module, a potentiometer module, a button module, a temperature module, an accelerometer module, a memory module and a timer module; (iii) an output module: the device comprises a motion module, a vibration motor module, a fan module, an RGB LED module, an LED module, a bar light column (bar graph) module and a loudspeaker module; and (iv) a wiring module: various lengths of wiring modules, extender modules, splitter modules and electroluminescent wiring modules. Any known type of circuit or electronic component or combination of components may be used to generate module 34 and thus form part of system 30 constructed using these components.

The modular system 30 described herein is reusable, can range in size from a small simple circuit to a large complex circuit, and is fine enough to allow complex behavioral programming by manipulating tactile objects (using the logic and status module 34). Additionally, just as programmers use software modules and libraries to create larger, more complex software programs, the modules 34 are transformed into electronic component libraries that can be used to create larger, more complex components or systems. In fact, users can extend the module library almost indefinitely, adding any new components they want to use to their module repository.

The user may even create their own modules 34 and add these to the rest of the library. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the user may be provided with components of the module 34 (e.g., male and female

magnetic connectors

38A, 38B being able to snap or otherwise connect to a small circuit board, sensor, or other electronic component to cause the connectors 38A/38B to transfer current from one module 34 to another) that the user may use to build their own interconnectable module 34 from a circuit board, sensor, or output mechanism that they have built or collected from another source.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the system 30 including several modules 34 may be commercialized as a single kit or set. The kit may include one or more different modules 34 (power, input, output, and/or wiring), may include one or more different types of modules 34, a container in which the modules 34 are stored, a mounting plate or base plate on which the modules are placed or connected, may include learning materials, accessories, instructions, or various other components. For example, a kit may include a small number of modules 34, and these modules 34 may be connected in an almost limitless number of combinations to perform many different input and output functions (see fig. 10 and 17). In other exemplary embodiments, the kit may also include a limited number of modules 34, with these modules 34 intended for assembly into a limited number of combinations (including a single combination) to perform a limited number of functions. For example, to make a kit that can be used to construct in a functional system, a kit may include up to tens or hundreds or even more modules 34, or a kit may include only two modules 34 (a power module and an output module). Alternatively, the kit may be intended to augment an existing library of modules, for example, in which case the kit may include only one type of module 34, such as a kit of only patching modules 34 or only exporting modules 34. Kits may also be targeted to certain age groups, for example, where a kit targeted for a primary school stage includes fewer and/or less complex modules 34 than a kit designed for a high school stage. In an exemplary embodiment, the package may include a guide, video or other medium that informs the user of one or more possible combinations of modules 34. For example, the guidelines may instruct the user how to assemble module 34 as a battery-powered motion sensor that sounds an alarm upon detecting motion.

One possible aspect of the exemplary kit, system, and module may be to extend the concept of a modular platform to more complex components. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 30 is adapted to allow access to complex devices through, for example, a simple three-wire analog interface. Exemplary complex devices may include, but are not limited to, LCD display devices, OLED screens, timers, accelerometers, logic gates, and more. This may be accomplished by pre-engineering all of the modules 34 and providing an "entry point" into the device. The entry points are, for example, knobs or switches that allow the user to adjust the intensity or frequency of the pulses, flip the mode of operation, set thresholds, make decisions or remember configurations, and many other operations. These may be considered "entry points" because they are based on similar devices that people know how to use according to their daily lives. The exemplary modular system described herein can take experience and graphics from consumer electronics (e.g., blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles) and apply them to these semi-raw electronic modules 34. This means that the learning curve created using and with the modular system 30 is very low, and pre-existing knowledge acquired by users from operating their own consumer electronics can be used to enable users to compose new objects through interaction.

An exemplary entry point may include an OLED screen module 34, which OLED screen module 34 requires an SD card slot into which a user may insert an SD card pre-loaded with images and video. The OLED screen module 34 may also include an onboard microcontroller that is pre-programmed with firmware to access and display images. Also integrated into the OLED screen module 34 may be a toggle switch that selects between fixed image/video or cyclic play and a knob that adjusts the cyclic play speed. In the above example, even though the circuit board and firmware themselves may be complex, the end result would be an easy to use OLED screen module 34 with an easily understandable symbolic meaning for children and inexperienced users, etc. For example, the exemplary system 30 may allow for and include pre-engineered fabrication and design of numerous other complex modules 34 similar to the OLED screen example.

Referring now to fig. 1 and 2, an exemplary module or block 34 of an electronic construction system 30 (the exemplary system 30 shown in fig. 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10) is illustrated by way of example. The block 34 shown is a tact switch module 34 or button and illustrates how the discrete electronic components are changed into the block 34. The button member 42 is connected (e.g., soldered) to a printed circuit board 46 having two interfaces (an input interface and an output interface). A magnetic connector is mounted on each of the two interfaces. In certain exemplary embodiments, the magnetic connectors may be the same type of connector. In other exemplary embodiments, the connectors may include a male connector 38A on the input interface side and a female connector 38B on the output interface side.

The input interface of the tact switch module 34 in fig. 1 is designed to connect with the output interface of the previous module 34, and the output interface of the illustrated module 34 is designed to connect with the input interface of the next module 34. The module 34 has the following features: electrical traces designed to complete the connection for power and ground lines between the two bonding interfaces. The signal line passes through the push button 42, and the push button 42 turns on or off the circuit and thus transmits the signal line to be changed to the output interface corresponding to the module function. In the exemplary embodiment shown, magnetic connectors 38A/38B are connected (e.g., soldered) to PCB 46 by means of surface mount pads. The above figures also illustrate the modular design of the system 30 and the connection and communication standards of the manufacturing system 30.

An exemplary configuration of an electronic building system 30 is shown in figures 3 and 4 and includes the exemplary tact switch module shown in figures 1 and 2. In these and subsequent figures, the various modules will be identified with a common reference numeral "34" and a letter (e.g., 34C, 34D, 34E, etc.) associated with each of the various modules. Similarly, similar components between modules will be identified with similar reference numerals and letters corresponding to the letters associated with the modules (e.g., module 34F, connector 38F, circuit board 46F, etc.).

In fig. 3 and 4, an exemplary tact switch module 34A is shown midway between the wall power module 34B and the Light Emitting Diode (LED) module 34C. The male connector 38A on the tact switch module 34A is attracted to the female connector 38B on the wall power module 34B by magnetic connectors as described in detail below. The same connection applies to the tact switch module 34A and the LED module 34C, the LED module 34C comprising a dual in-line package LED component 50 connected to (e.g., soldered to) the PCB 46C. When the magnetic connectors in the three illustrated modules 34 are connected together as in fig. 4, and the user presses the tact switch 42 of the switch module 34A, a circuit is completed and the LED 50 is illuminated. The power module 34B has a power adapter connector 54 that delivers a DC voltage to the power module 34B. The circuitry pre-integrated in power module 34B then reduces the voltage to a desired voltage, for example 5 volts in this example. It should be noted that if the tact switch module 34A is removed from between the two other modules, the LED module 34C will be attracted to the power module 34B and the LED 50 will remain illuminated at all times. In the above scheme, there is one power block (wall power), one input block (switch) and one output block (LED). It should be understood that the exemplary block 34 may be replaced by other blocks 34 having other functions. For example, the LED block 34C may be replaced by a buzzer block that emits an audible sound when a button is pressed. With the immediate responsiveness of different blocks, elements with different functions, all of which can form different loops, hundreds of other combinations can be made without the need for programming, soldering, or circuit assembly.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic connector is shown. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connector is a male magnetic connector 38A. The female magnetic connector may be similar to the male connector, except that the female connector may have spring contacts 66 that protrude less from the connector. In certain exemplary embodiments, a pair of magnetic connectors 38A/B are electrically connected to PCB 46 to provide module 34. Alternatively, any number (including one) of magnetic connectors may be electrically connected to PCB 46 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. The illustrated exemplary magnetic connector 38A (here, a male connector) includes a housing 58 in which two magnets 62 are molded and expose surface poles that serve as polarization and locking elements between the modules 34 in the housing 58. In certain exemplary embodiments, the housing 58 may be made of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). Embedded in the housing 58 are three electrical conductors or spring contacts 66 responsible for carrying current from one module 34 to the next module 34. In addition and for additional support, magnetic connector 38A is mounted on PCB 46 by mounting tabs 70 on both sides of connector 38A. The male connector described above mates with a female connector that looks similar, but the spring contacts 66 in the female connector may be replaced with sheet metal, with the magnetically exposed surface opposite the male connector. In other example embodiments, the spring contacts 66 in the female connector may be similar to the spring contacts 66 in the male connector except that they protrude less from the connector housing 58 than the spring contacts 66 in the male connector. It should also be noted that each connector (both male and female) includes a protrusion 71 and a recess or receptacle 72 in the housing 58. The projections 71 are adapted to be inserted into and mate with recesses 72 in other connectors when the connectors are connected together. This engagement between the projections 71 and the recesses 72 inhibits the blocks 34 from sliding relative to each other. This design ensures that the blocks 34 are connected together, thereby inhibiting slippage between the blocks 34, and also facilitates connecting the blocks 34 in the correct manner. Users often have difficult situations when using other electronic components to make mistakes or make dangerous electrical connections. This makes the electronic construction system 30 of the present invention easy and friendly to use for children, unskilled persons, and users with little or no experience with electronic products.

Although the connector 38A shown in fig. 5 and 6 includes three spring contacts 66, any number of spring contacts 66 (including only one or more than three) may be used to accommodate current flow and/or communication from one module 34 to the next module 34. For example, connector 38A may include four, five, six, or more electrical lines. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many means other than spring contacts may be used to transmit current and/or communications from one module 34 to another module 34. In each system, female connector 38B may be configured to properly receive spring contacts 66 or other current carrying devices from male connector 38A such that current is properly carried between connectors 38A/B and module 34. In other exemplary embodiments, the connectors may not include female and male connectors, but instead may include two similarly configured connectors that mate and facilitate the transfer of electrical current and/or communication from one module 34 to another module 34.

Referring to fig. 7, another exemplary configuration of module or block 34 is shown that provides a pressure sensor module 34D. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the power module is a battery brick 34E, such as a button battery brick. In this block 34E, the button cell 82 output is slightly above 3 volts and is boosted to 5 volts by the exemplary circuit. The circuit also includes a discharge protection circuit that shows an example of how the electronic building system 30 can be designed to make the system easier to use and safe for the user. The circuit may also include an embedded switch that enables a user to turn the battery brick 34E on or off so that battery power is not wasted. The next block connected to the battery block 34E is a pressure sensor module 34D, and the pressure sensor module 34D reads the amount of pressure applied to the pressure sensor section 86 and outputs a voltage in the range of 0 to 5 volts according to the amount of applied pressure. The greater the pressure applied to the pressure sensor member 86, the higher the voltage transmitted to the next module. In this example, the next module includes a vibration motor block 34F and an LED block 34G, the vibration motor block 34F and the LED block 34G vibrating to a greater extent and emitting light brighter as the applied pressure increases, respectively. Figures 3, 4 and 7 etc. show how the electronic building system 30 becomes a stand-alone system and does not need to be connected to a hardware platform or computer. For example, a child who wants to build his/her own binge festival tester may use the exemplary system described above. As the force applied by the finger or hammer is greater, the toy vibrates to a greater extent and the LEDs 98 become brighter.

In certain exemplary embodiments, each module 34 may include control and protection circuitry to facilitate safe and convenient operation of the module 34. Furthermore, each module 34 may include operational amplification components used in buffer construction to reduce the overall amount of current consumption over the entire system 30 of connected modules 34. This helps facilitate cascading of multiple modules 34 without significant power loss, as well as scaling of system 30 as needed. In other exemplary embodiments, system 30 may include a booster module throughout the system of connected modules 34 to increase the current and/or voltage across the power lines and to ensure that all modules 34 in system 30 are functioning properly.

In addition to being able to create discrete behaviors through the cascaded modules 34, the electronic construction system 30 is able to program certain behaviors and aesthetics of the modules 34 through the control means. In fig. 8, an exemplary red, green, blue (RGB) LED block 34H is shown. In this module 34H, the output color of the RGB LEDs 102 is controlled by the combined values of three potentiometers or knobs 106 provided in the module 34H. By changing the value of each potentiometer using a screwdriver 110 or other means, (one for red, one for green, and one for blue), the user can adjust the LEDs 102 to a desired color. In other exemplary embodiments, the potentiometer 106 of the block 34H may be disposed off the circuit board itself and may change the color of the RGB LEDs 102 externally. In other exemplary embodiments, the potentiometer may include a knob or other manually adjustable device, such that no tools are required to perform the adjustment.

Another example of programming the behaviour in the electronic building system 30 by means of a control device is shown in figure 9. As such, a user can program the behavior of the circuit by manipulating the physical elements without the need to write code. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a 9 volt battery 114 is shown and is part of a power module 341, the power module 341 being connected to a temperature sensor module 34J comprising a threshold component followed by an audio module 34K. In this example, the temperature sensor module 34J may be more advanced than conventional sensor modules. The block 34J has the following features: a potentiometer 118, which may be adjusted to set a temperature threshold. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 122 is above the set threshold, the module 34J outputs a high reading. This is an example of integrating a logic block with a simpler analog block to achieve a complex circuit configuration. In this example, a high reading output from temperature sensor module 34J will cause audio module 34K to be energized and speaker 126 to play a prerecorded message associated with the high reading. For example, a person wishing to hear an alarm to turn on an air conditioner may use the exemplary circuit. When the temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature, audio module 34K plays back a message "air conditioned should be turned on! ". Further, the audio module 34K may be replaced by a fan module that may be activated upon receiving a high temperature reading signal from the temperature sensor module 34J.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor module may include a mode shift device 130, and the mode shift device 130 may shift the behavior of block 34J from "normal low" to "normal high". In contrast to the previously explained configuration (i.e., normally low), the "normally high" setting will cause module 34J to output a high reading except when the temperature exceeds the threshold. This means that audio module 34K will play cyclically until the room temperature reaches warmer, at which point audio module 34K will stop outputting audio. In addition to the preprogrammed blocks, logic blocks, and status blocks, these control devices will enable the system 30 to implement complex prototypes and circuits without the need for programming or electronic product knowledge.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary kit 132 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the suit 132 may include a plurality of modules or blocks 34 and a base plate or mounting plate 134, wherein the modules 34 may be placed, supported and/or connected on the base plate or mounting plate 134. The mounting plate 134 may be of any size and may be made of any material. In certain exemplary embodiments, the mounting plate 134 is made of a non-conductive material. In addition, the kit 132 may include a container 138, wherein the modules 34 may be stored in the container 138 when not in use. The plurality of tiles 34 and the substrate 134 may be the beginning of a user's expansion of a kit or library by creating or obtaining new modules and kits, all of which are assembled together as part of the electronic construction system 30. The above description and drawings are intended to serve as examples of constructions and modules implemented by the system. These descriptions and drawings are in no way limiting or restrictive, and those of skill in the art will understand and appreciate that there are variations, combinations, and equivalents of the embodiments, methods, and examples herein.

Referring to fig. 11-16,

modules

34L, 34M, 34N, 34P, 34Q, and 34R may be uniquely configured to provide a user with a quick visual indication of the functionality of each module. The modules may be uniquely constructed in any manner and have any characteristics to identify the functionality of the module. Further, any portion of the module 34 may be uniquely configured and have any characteristics to present unique configuration characteristics. For example, a module may have properties that uniquely identify the module by color coding, patterning, or may include unique structures, such as shapes, housings, interconnects, connections, or the like. The exemplary embodiment shown shows color coding of the connector 38 as an exemplary way to uniquely configure the module to provide a visual indicator of the functionality of the module. However, it should be understood that the exemplary illustrated embodiment of the color-coded connector 38 is not limiting, and that the module may be uniquely configured in any manner and still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The functionality of the modules identified by a unique architecture and characteristics may be any type or hierarchy of functionality. For example, the unique configuration may indicate that the module is an input module, a power module, a wiring module, an output module, and the like. In other embodiments, the unique configuration of the module may be more specific, such as an LED module, a 9 volt battery module, a battery cell module, a potentiometer module, a switch module, a pressure sensor module, a pulse module, a button module, a vibration motor module, a wiring module, and the like.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, color coding provides the user with quick visual confirmation of the module type, the module function, and enables the user to know which color combinations are possible. To represent the connectors 38 of fig. 11-16 having various colors, the connectors 38 are shaded in different ways. The connector 38 is shaded in different ways to show the various colors, and is an exemplary way to represent the various colors, but is not limiting. Other ways of representing different colors are also contemplated and all such ways are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the connectors 38 can be of any color and are not limited to the exemplary colors and associated shading included in the figures.

According to one exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 11, the patching module 34L may include an orange connector 38L. After reading the manual of the guide, receiving the online guide, or by trial and error, depending on the system 30 that the user is attempting to construct, the user will know that the orange connector 38L can be connected to the other orange connectors 38L, the

green connectors

38M, 38N connected to the output module (fig. 12 shows a bar light bar 34M, fig. 13 shows a vibration motor 34N), and/or the pink connectors 38P, 38Q connected to the input module (fig. 14 shows a pulse module 34P, fig. 15 shows a pressure sensor 34Q). Each system 30 will similarly require a power module (fig. 16 shows a wall power module 34R) that will include a blue color-coded connector 38R according to one exemplary embodiment. In this illustrated exemplary embodiment and referring to fig. 17, which illustrates a kit 132 associated with an exemplary system, the kit 132 may include a blue power module 34R, one or more orange wiring modules 34L, a plurality of

pink input modules

34P, 34Q, 34S, 34T, and a plurality of

green output modules

34M, 34N, 34U, 34V. Other exemplary kits may include any number of modules 34 having any possible functionality and are within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 18, another exemplary system 30 is shown, the system 30 including a plurality of

exemplary modules

34W, 34X and 34Y and a mounting plate or base plate 148 on which the modules are coupled and supported 148. The system 30 shown in fig. 18 can include any of the types of modules described herein or any other type of module having any type of functionality. Accordingly, the exemplary modules illustrated and described herein in connection with FIG. 18 are not limiting. The mounting plate 148 may have any size and may be made of any material. In certain exemplary embodiments, the mounting plate 148 may be 4 inches by 12 inches. In other exemplary embodiments, the mounting plate 148 may be made of any non-conductive material. In other exemplary embodiments, the mounting plate 148 may be broken down or otherwise divided into smaller portions to a desired size suitable for a desired application. In such embodiments, the mounting plate 148 may be made of a material or have a configuration that enables the disassembly or separation of the mounting plate 148 into smaller portions, or the mounting plate 148 may include perforations, areas of reduced thickness, or other structural features that provide predetermined locations that facilitate easy disassembly or separation of the mounting plate 148 into smaller portions.

As described above, the module is adapted to have a variety of different types of functions, and includes appropriate connectors, circuit boards, and associated electronic components connected to the circuit boards to perform the desired functions. The modules shown in the exemplary embodiments are for purposes of illustration and description, and are not limiting. The exemplary illustrated modules include a wall power module 34W (power), a bar light bar module 34X (input), and an LED module 34Y (output).

Referring now to fig. 19-21, each of

modules

34X and 34Y is shown and each includes a pair of connectors 152 and a circuit board 156 adapted for the desired module function. The module may comprise suitable electronic components to perform the desired module functions. Each connector 152 includes a housing 160 made up of two parts 160', 160 "(see fig. 21) that are connected together, a pair of magnets 164, and a plurality of electrical conductors 168. The two portions of the housing 160 may be joined together by various means (e.g., heat staking, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, press fits, friction fits, interference fits, snap fits, or other positive locking means, etc.) and may be made of various different materials (e.g., plastic (e.g., ABS plastic) or other non-conductive materials). The first portion 160' of the housing defines a cavity 172, the cavity 172 for receiving the second portion 160 "of the housing therein. Cavity 172 is complementarily shaped to second portion 160 "to ensure that when the two portions 160', 160" are joined together, top surface 176 of second portion 160 "is substantially flush with top surface 180 of first portion 160' (see fig. 20 and 21), and side surface 184 of second portion 160" is flush with side surface 188 of first portion 160 '.

The first portion 160' of the housing also defines a pair of magnet apertures 192 (see fig. 21) in a side surface 196 thereof, with the magnets 164 supported in the magnet apertures 192. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 164 is cylindrical in shape, providing a circular cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the magnet 164. Accordingly, the magnet aperture 192 defined in the first portion 160' of the housing is circular in shape. It should be appreciated that the magnet 164 may have any shape and the magnet bore 192 may similarly have any shape that is complementary to the shape of the magnet 164. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the magnet is square, the magnet aperture in the first portion of the housing may be square. In other exemplary embodiments, the magnet holes may have a shape that is not complementary to the shape of the magnets. In such embodiments, the magnet bore may have any shape that inhibits the magnet from passing through the magnet bore and disengaging from the housing 160 of the connector. For example, the magnet may be cylindrical in shape, providing a circular cross-section, while the magnet bore may be square, such that the size of the square is small enough to inhibit the magnet from passing through the bore.

In addition, the first portion 160' of the housing defines an electrical conductor aperture 200 in the side surface 196 thereof to receive and support a portion of the electrical conductor 168 (described in more detail below). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductor bore 200 is circular in shape and is complementary in shape to a portion of the electrical conductor 168 received in the electrical conductor bore 200. Similar to the magnet bore 192, the electrical conductor bore 200 may have any shape and be complementary to the shape of a portion of the electrical conductor 168 received in the electrical conductor bore 200.

The first portion 160' of the housing defines a plurality of conductor slots 204 (see fig. 21) in a bottom surface 208 thereof to receive the conductors 168 in the conductor slots 204 when the housing 160 is assembled. Each conductor slot 204 includes an upper end 212 having a first dimension, a lower end 216 having a second dimension that is less than the first dimension, and tapered side surfaces 220 that taper from the upper end 212 to the lower end 216. The shape of the conductor slots 204 is complementary to the shape of the electrical conductors 168 to provide sufficient support for the electrical conductors 168 when the housing 160 is assembled.

In addition, the first portion 160 'of the housing includes a pair of tabs 224, the tabs 224 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 208 of the first portion 160' for connecting the connector 152 to the circuit board 156 of the module 34. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the protrusion 224 is cylindrical in shape and may be inserted into a hole 228 (see fig. 20) defined in the circuit board 156. After the projections 224 are inserted into the circuit board holes 228, the projections 224 may be deformed to inhibit the projections from backing out of the holes 228 of the circuit board 156. The projection 224 may deform according to a variety of different ways, such as melting or heating the projection 224, bending, flattening, or any other way sufficient to deform the projection 224 to inhibit the projection from escaping from the aperture 228 in the circuit board 156.

The housing 160 also defines a receptacle 232 in a side surface thereof, and includes a tab 236 extending from the side surface and positioned adjacent the receptacle 232. Such receptacles 232 and tabs 236 are included in each connector housing 160 and provide assistance in properly aligning and connecting modules 34 together. Receptacle 232 is shaped to complement the shape of tab 236 such that when tab 236 is received in receptacle 232, tab 236 substantially fills receptacle 232. When two modules 34 (e.g.,

modules

34X and 34Y) are connected together, connectors 152 are aligned with tabs 236 on each connector 152 substantially aligned with receptacles 232 on the other connector 152, and

modules

34X and 34Y are moved together until the magnetic force of the four magnets 164 on the two connectors 152 is sufficient to draw the connectors 152 together, thereby causing tabs 236 to be inserted into receptacles 232. After connection, tabs 236 and receptacles 232 of connector 152 cooperate to inhibit substantial lateral and vertical movement of

modules

34X and 34Y relative to each other.

With continued reference to fig. 19-21, the first portion 160 'of the housing includes a pair of mounting features 240, the mounting features 240 extending downwardly from the first portion 160' and adapted to engage complementary-shaped receptacles 244 (see fig. 18) defined in the mounting plate 148. The mounting members 240 and receptacles 244 are configured to provide sufficient support for the module 34 when the module 34 is mounted on the mounting plate 148. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting member 240 has a shape comprised of a quarter circle and the receptacle 244 on the mounting plate 148 is circular in shape (see, e.g., fig. 19 for the mounting member 240). When two connectors 152 on adjacent modules 34 are connected together, the two mounting features 240 on the two connectors 152 form a semi-circle that may be friction fit into the receptacles 244 of the mounting plate 148. The circuit board 156 may have various lengths and widths configured to provide appropriate spacing between the module 34 and the mounting plate 148. For example, as shown in fig. 18, the length of the circuit board 156 included in the module 34Y is such that with the connector 152 provided on each end of the circuit board 156, the mounting member 240 on one end of the circuit board 156 is disposed within the receptacle 244, which receptacle 244 is spaced four receptacles apart from the receptacle 244 in which the mounting members 240 on the opposite end of the circuit board 156 are disposed. That is, there are three receptacles 244 between the connectors 152 on opposite ends of the circuit board 156 of module 34Y. In another example, the length of circuit board 156 included in module 34X shown in fig. 18 is greater than the length of the circuit board of module 34Y. For module 34X, the connectors 152 disposed on each end of the circuit board 156 are arranged in receptacles 244, the receptacles 244 being spaced apart by five receptacles from the receptacles 244 of the mounting members 240 on the opposite end of the circuit board 156 in which the module 34X is disposed. In this example, there are four sockets 244 between the circuit boards 156 on opposite ends of the circuit board 156 of module 34X. Thus, the circuit board 156 may have various lengths while also accommodating the proper spacing between the receptacles 244 on the mounting plate 148.

Further, when two connectors 152 are connected as shown in fig. 19, an outer edge surface 157 of the circuit board 156 may be disposed substantially flush with the outer surface 151 of the connector 152. Alternatively, the outer edge surface of the circuit board may be arranged inside or outside the outer surface of the connector. In other words, in such an alternative, the outer edge surface is not flush with the outer surface of the connector.

With continued reference to fig. 19-21, electrical conductor 168 has a spring characteristic that allows conductor 168 to move due to a force applied to conductor 168. This spring characteristic that facilitates movement of the conductors 168 helps maintain contact with the electrical conductors 168 on the adjacent module 34 connected to the current module 34 during operation of the module 34. Such operation may result in forces being applied to the modules 34, causing the modules 34 to move relative to each other. In some embodiments, the electrical conductors 168 on adjacent modules may have different lengths such that the electrical conductors 168 extend different distances from the housing 160. For example, the length of the electrical conductors 168 shown in fig. 19 is greater than the length of the electrical conductors 168 shown in fig. 20. In such an embodiment, a connector 152 having electrical conductors 168 such as shown in fig. 19 may be connected to a connector 152 having electrical conductors 168 such as shown in fig. 20, and the respective electrical conductors 168 may exert a spring force (or biasing force) against each other while the two connectors 152 are connected together to substantially maintain the positioning of the connected set of electrical conductors 168. In other words, as described above for the previous embodiments, the connectors 152 may be male or female connectors and may be matingly connected together with another type of connector (e.g., female or male connectors, respectively). In the exemplary embodiment shown, each electrical conductor 168 includes an engagement portion 248 (see fig. 21), a connection portion 252, and an intermediate portion 256 (see fig. 21), wherein the engagement portion 248 is positioned in a respective electrical conductor bore 200, the connection portion 252 extends downwardly and is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the circuit board 156, and the intermediate portion 256 extends between the engagement portion 248 and the connection portion 252. The engagement portions 248 are adapted to engage the electrical conductors 168 of an adjacent module 34 connected to the current module 34. Since electrical conductors 168 are made of an electrically conductive material, electrical current is carried through electrical conductors 168 of current module 34 to its circuit board 156. Each electrical conductor 168 includes an enlarged portion 260 positioned between the ends of the conductors 168 that fit into the respective conductor slots 204 (see fig. 21). The enlarged portions 260 have a complementary shape to the conductor slots 204 to provide vertical and horizontal support for the electrical conductors 168 when the housing 160 is assembled. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, enlarged portion 260 includes a tapered portion 264 that is complementary to tapered surface 220 of conductor slot 204 (see fig. 21).

Referring now to fig. 22 and 23, a support member 268 is connected to two modules 34 connected together to provide additional support for the connected modules 34. In certain exemplary embodiments, support members 268 are used instead of mounting plate 148 to provide additional support to module 34. In other exemplary embodiments, the support members 268 may be configured such that both the support members 268 and the mounting plate 148 together provide support to two modules 34 that are connected together. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support member 268 includes a pair of receptacles 280 defined in a top surface 276 thereof to receive the mounting members 240 of the modules 34 connected together. The receptacles 280 in the support component 268 are of similar size, shape and similarly spaced apart from the receptacles 244 in the mounting plate 148. The support member 268 also has a height H such that when two modules 34 are connected to each other and to the support member 268, the top surface 276 of the support member 268 is substantially flush with and mates or engages the bottom surface 288 of the housing 160. Also in the exemplary embodiment shown, support member 268 includes a width W1 and a length L1, wherein width W1 is approximately the width W2 of the two coupled together connectors 152 and length L1 is approximately the length L2 of the two coupled together modules 34. Alternatively, the configuration of the support members 268 may differ from the illustrated exemplary embodiment, so long as the support members 268 provide support to the modules 34 that are connected together. When multiple modules 34 in the system 30 are connected together, the support member 268 may be connected to each pair of connected connectors 152 in the system 30. Accordingly, any number of support members 268 may be included in the system 30 and this is within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

The example system 30 disclosed herein is adapted to cooperate with other types of systems to provide the functionality and features of the example system 30 to the other types of systems. The exemplary system 30 may cooperate with any type of other system and this is within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. Referring to fig. 24 and 25, the example mounting plate 148 of the example system 30 of the present invention is shown in communication with a toy building block system 292 (e.g.,

building block system 292). The exemplary system is not limiting, but rather exemplary and illustrative. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting plate 148 is configured as exemplary

The building block system 292 is fitted, and specifically configuredIs connected to

A block system 292 is built. A first side 296 (e.g., a top side) of the mounting plate 148 includes a plurality of receptacles 244 suitably spaced apart to receive the connectors 152 of the modules 34. The second side 298 (e.g., bottom side) of the mounting plate 148 includes a plurality of protrusions 300, the protrusions 300 defining cavities 304 therein and being appropriately spaced from one another to facilitate connection to

A block system 292 is built. As indicated above, the system 30 of the present invention may be coupled to any type of other system, and thus the second side 298 of the mounting plate 148 may be configured in any manner to accommodate any type of other system to which the mounting plate 148 is to be coupled.

It should be noted that the structures, features, functions, and other characteristics of the various exemplary embodiments of the systems disclosed herein and illustrated in fig. 1-25 may be combined with one another in any manner and in any combination, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, adapter(s) or foot members may be included to adjust the height of the connector so that different connector embodiments may be connected to a common circuit board or different circuit board/connector combinations may be connected together. For example, an adapter may be attached to the bottom of connector 38A (see fig. 5) to increase the length or height of connector 38A so that connector 38A may be connected to circuit board 156 along with connector 152. In another example, an adapter may be attached to the bottom of connector 38M (see fig. 12) to increase the length or height of connector 38M relative to the circuit board so that connector 38M may be connected to a different circuit board 156 having connector 152. Such an adapter may be adhesively attached to the bottom of connector 38A or connector 38M, for example. In some embodiments, the adapter may include mounting features or portions similar to the mounting features 240 described above such that the adapter may engage a complementary shaped receptacle (e.g., the receptacle 244 described above) defined in a mounting plate (e.g., the mounting plate 148 shown in FIG. 18).

Although the embodiment of module 34 is shown and described as having connectors (e.g., connectors 38 and 152) connected to one or opposite ends or edges of circuit boards (e.g., circuit boards 46 and 156), in other embodiments module 34 may include connectors connected to more than two ends or edges of circuit boards. For example, fig. 26A-26D are each top schematic views of a module including a circuit board and one or more connectors. The modules of fig. 26A-26D may include various embodiments of the connectors and/or circuit boards described herein.

Fig. 26A shows a module 334A including a circuit board 356A and one connector 352A, with connector 352A connected to a single edge or end of circuit board 356A. Fig. 26B shows a module 334B that includes a circuit board 356B and two connectors 352B, the two connectors 352B being connected to a single edge or end of the circuit board 356B. Fig. 26C shows a module 334C that includes a circuit board 356C and three connectors 352C, the three connectors 352C being connected to three different edges or ends of the circuit board 356C. Fig. 26D shows a module 334D that includes a circuit board 356D and four connectors 352D, with the four connectors 352D connected to four different edges or ends of the circuit board 356D.

Fig. 27A and 27B are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a module showing the side edges of the circuit board in relation to the side edges or surfaces of the connector. Fig. 27A shows a module 434A having a circuit board 456A and two connectors 452A, with the two connectors 452A connected to the circuit board 456A. In this embodiment, side edge 457A of circuit board 456A is disposed inwardly of side edge or surface 451A of connector 452A when connector 452A is connected to circuit board 456A. Although not shown, in other embodiments, the side edges of the circuit board may be disposed outwardly of the side edges or surfaces of the connector. Fig. 27B shows a module 434B having a circuit board 456B and two connectors 452B, the two connectors 452B being connected to the circuit board 456B. In this embodiment, when the connector 452B is connected to the circuit board 456B, a side edge 457B of the circuit board 456B is disposed substantially flush with a side edge or surface 451B of the connector 452B.

As described above in many examples of modules and systems, numerous modules may be connected together to implement various functions of the systems. The modules may be connected in a cascade fashion, wherein the inclusion of one module in the system may affect the function of a downstream module in a first manner, and the inclusion of a different one of the modules in the system may affect the function of a downstream module in another manner than the first manner. That is, modules connected together in a system may depend on each other to affect the functionality of the modules and the overall system. Simple examples that illustrate this concept, but are not intended to be limiting, include: the system includes three modules: the device comprises a power supply module, a button module and an LED module. The button module and the LED module depend on the power module, and the LED module depends on the button module. To illustrate the dependence of the button module and the LED module on the power module, consider the following: if the power module does not provide any power, neither the button module nor the LED module can operate in their intended manner. Similarly, to illustrate the dependence of the LED module on the button module, if the button is not pressed or otherwise actuated to close the circuit, the LED module will not be illuminated, and if the button is pressed, the LED module will be illuminated. In other words, cascaded modules in the system affect the operation and function of downstream modules.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was chosen to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. While particular configurations of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic construction apparatus, comprising:

a first circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the top and bottom surfaces each being different from and excluding the first and second ends;

a first connector mounted to the first circuit board, the first connector having a side surface;

a second circuit board having a side surface; and

a second connector mounted to the second circuit board, the second connector having a side surface, the second connector configured to be removably connected directly to the first connector such that the side surface of the first connector contacts and abuts the side surface of the second connector,

the mounting portion of the first connector is configured to removably connect the first connector to a mounting plate, the mounting portion of the second connector is configured to removably connect the second connector to the mounting plate,

wherein:

the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector and is configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member, the first connector includes a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member,

the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion of the second connector and is configured to be received within the first opening of the support member, the second connector including a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening of the support member, the support member being configured to retain the first connector connected to the second connector.

2. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises at least one conductor extending outwardly from the side surface configured to engage with a conductor extending outwardly from a side surface of the second connector when the first connector is removably connected to the second connector.

3. The electronic building set according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the first connector and the side surface of the second connector comprise a first extension portion extending in a vertical direction and a second extension portion extending in a horizontal direction, the first extension portion of the first connector being configured to contact the first extension portion of the second connector and the second extension portion of the first connector being configured to contact the second extension portion of the second connector when the first connector is connected to the second connector.

4. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein:

the mounting plate has a first side defining a plurality of openings and a second side including a plurality of projections,

the mounting portion of the first connector and the mounting portion of the second connector are each configured to be removably attached to a first side of the mounting plate,

the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to at least one component of the module building block system.

5. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein:

the mounting plate defines a plurality of openings, the mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be removably received within a first opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate, and the mounting portion of the second connector is configured to be removably received within a second opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate.

6. The electronic building set according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector and is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the first connector comprising a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first circuit board to the mounting plate,

the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion of the second connector and is configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting plate, the second connector including a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting plate to removably connect the second circuit board to the mounting plate.

7. An electronic building set according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector, the first connector comprising a second mounting portion, the first connector having a first height, the electronic building set further comprising:

a first adapter configured to be connectable to a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; and

a second adapter configured to be connectable to a bottom surface of the second mounting portion,

the first connector has a second height when the first adapter and the second adapter are connected to the first connector, the second height being greater than the first height.

8. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein:

the first circuit board has a first side, a second side opposite the first side,

the first side and the second side are each different from the first end and the second end;

the first connector is mounted to one of the first and second ends of the first circuit board, the electronic building set further comprising:

a third connector mounted to one of the first side and the second side of the first circuit board,

the first connector includes at least one conductor configured to engage a conductor on a second connector connected to the second circuit board, and the third connector includes at least one conductor configured to engage a conductor on a connector connected to a third circuit board.

9. The electronic construction set according to claim 8, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate, the first connector includes a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate, the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion of the second connector configured to be receivable within a third opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate, the second connector includes a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a fourth opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate.

10. An electronic construction set according to claim 8, wherein

11. An electronic building set according to claim 8, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion, the first connector having a first height and comprising a second mounting portion, the first and second mounting portions of the first connector each being configured to be receivable within different openings defined in the mounting plate, the electronic building set further comprising:

12. An electronic building set according to claim 8, wherein the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion, the second connector comprising a second mounting part, the electronic building set further comprising:

a fourth connector mounted to one side of the second circuit board, the fourth connector of the second circuit board including a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion,

the first mounting portion of the second connector being configured to be received within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the second mounting portion of the second connector being configured to be received within a second opening of the plurality of openings to removably connect the first circuit board to the mounting plate,

a first mounting portion of the fourth connector mounted to the second circuit board is configured to be receivable within the first opening, and a second mounting portion of the fourth connector mounted to the second circuit board is configured to be receivable within the second opening to removably connect the second circuit board to the mounting board.

13. An electronic building set according to claim 2, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically connect the first circuit board.

14. An electronic building set according to claim 8, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically connect the first circuit board.

15. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein:

the first connector includes a first housing fixedly mounted to the first circuit board,

the second connector includes a second housing fixedly mounted to the second circuit board.

16. An electronic construction set according to claim 1, wherein:

the first connector comprises a first housing part and a second housing part connected to the first housing part of the first connector,

the second connector comprises a first housing part and a second housing part connected to the first housing part of the second connector.

17. An electronic construction apparatus, the electronic construction apparatus comprising:

a first circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the top surface and the bottom surface each being different from and not including the first end and the second end;

a second circuit board having a side surface; and

the first connector comprising a mounting portion configured to removably connect the first connector to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building device, the second connector comprising a mounting portion configured to removably connect the second connector to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building device,

the electronic construction device further comprises:

a mounting plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the mounting portions of the first and second connectors each being configured to be removably connected to the first side of the mounting plate,

wherein:

the mounting portion of the first connector being a first mounting portion of the first connector and being configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member, the first connector including a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member,

18. An electronic construction set according to claim 17, wherein the first connector comprises at least one conductor extending outwardly from the side surface configured to engage a conductor extending outwardly from the side surface of the second connector when the first connector is removably connected to the second connector.

19. The electronic building set according to claim 17, wherein the side surface of the first connector and the side surface of the second connector each comprise a first extension extending in a vertical direction and a second extension extending in a horizontal direction, the first extension of the first connector being configured to contact the first extension of the second connector and the second extension of the first connector being configured to contact the second extension of the second connector when the first connector is connected to the second connector.

20. An electronic construction set according to claim 17, wherein:

the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to at least one component of the modular building block system.

21. An electronic construction set according to claim 17,

wherein the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to at least one component of the module building block system.

22. The electronic building set according to claim 17, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector and is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the first connector including a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first circuit board to the mounting plate,

the mounting portion of the second connector being a first mounting portion of the second connector and being configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting plate, the second connector including a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting plate to removably connect the second circuit board to the mounting plate,

the mounting plate is configured to be connected to at least one component of the module building block system.

23. An electronic building set according to claim 17, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector, the first connector comprising a second mounting portion, the first connector having a first height, the electronic building set further comprising:

24. An electronic construction set according to claim 17, wherein:

the first circuit board has a first side and a second side opposite the first side,

the first connector is mounted to one of the first end or the second end of the first circuit board, the electronic building set further comprising:

a third connector mounted to one of the first side or the second side of the first circuit board,

25. The electronic building set according to claim 24, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion of the first connector configured to be receivable within a first one of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting board, the first connector includes a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second one of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board, the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion of the second connector configured to be receivable within a third one of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board, the second connector includes a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a fourth one of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board.

26. An electronic construction set according to claim 24, wherein: the mounting plate has a first side defining a plurality of openings and a second side including a plurality of projections,

27. An electronic building set according to claim 24, wherein the mounting portion of the first connector is a first mounting portion, the first connector having a first height and comprising a second mounting portion, the first and second mounting portions of the first connector each being configured to be receivable within different openings defined in the mounting plate, the electronic building set further comprising:

28. An electronic building device according to claim 24, wherein the mounting portion of the second connector is a first mounting portion, the second connector comprising a second mounting part, the electronic building device further comprising:

29. An electronic building set according to claim 24, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

30. An electronic construction set according to claim 24, wherein:

31. The electronic building set according to claim 17, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing mounted to the first circuit board, the second connector comprises a second housing mounted to the second circuit board,

the first housing and the second housing each include a first housing portion connected to a second housing portion.

32. An electronic construction set according to claim 17, wherein:

the first housing of the first connector includes a pair of projections capable of being mounted to the first circuit board, the pair of projections of the first housing being deformed to suppress the first housing from coming off the first circuit board,

the second housing of the second connector includes a pair of projections capable of being mounted to the second circuit board, the pair of projections of the second housing being deformed to inhibit the second housing from coming off the second circuit board.

33. An electronic construction system, comprising:

a first module of a plurality of modules, the first module comprising a first circuit board and a first connector mounted to the first circuit board, the first circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the top surface and the bottom surface each being different from and excluding the first end and the second end, the first connector having a side surface and comprising at least one conductor extending outwardly from the side surface;

a second module of the plurality of modules, the second module including a second circuit board and a second connector mounted to the second circuit board, the second connector having a side surface, the second connector being configured to be directly removably connected to the first connector such that the side surface of the first connector contacts and abuts the side surface of the second connector and the at least one conductor of the first connector is electrically connected to the second circuit board,

a first mounting portion of the first connector configured to removably connect the first connector to a member other than a module of the plurality of modules, a second mounting portion of the second connector configured to removably connect the second connector to a member other than a module of the plurality of modules,

the electronic construction system further comprises:

a mounting plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side,

the first mounting portion of the first connector and the second mounting portion of the second connector are each configured to be removably connected to a first side of the mounting plate,

wherein:

the first mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member, the third mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member,

the second mounting portion of the second connector is configured to be received within the first opening of the support member, the fourth mounting portion of the second connector is configured to be received within the second opening of the support member, and the support member is configured to retain the first connector connected to the second connector.

34. An electronic construction system according to claim 33,

wherein the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to at least one member of a module building block system different from the electronic building system.

35. The electronic building system according to claim 33, wherein the first mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be received within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, and the third mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be received within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first connector to the mounting plate,

the second mounting portion of the second connector being configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting plate, the fourth mounting portion of the second connector being configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting plate to removably connect the second connector to the mounting plate,

the mounting plate is configured to be connected to at least one member of a module building block system different from the electronic building system.

36. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein the first connector comprises a third mounting portion, the first connector having a first height, the system further comprising:

a first adapter configured to be connected to a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; and

a second adapter configured to be connected to a bottom surface of the third mounting portion,

37. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein:

the first connector is mounted to one of the first and second ends of the first circuit board, the electronic construction system further comprising:

at least one conductor of the third connector is configured to electrically connect to a third circuit board of a third module of the plurality of modules when the third connector is connected to a connector of the third module.

38. The electronic building system according to claim 33, wherein the first mounting portion of the first connector is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the second mounting portion of the second connector is configured to be received within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate, the mounting plate being configured to be removably connected to at least one component of a module building block system different from the electronic building system.

39. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein:

the mounting plate has a first side defining a plurality of openings and a second side including a plurality of protrusions,

the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to at least one member of a module building block system different from the electronic building system.

40. The electronic building system according to claim 33, wherein the at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

41. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein:

42. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing mounted to the first circuit board, the second connector comprises a second housing mounted to the second circuit board,

43. An electronic construction system according to claim 33, wherein:

the first housing of the first connector includes a pair of projections mounted to the first circuit board, the pair of projections of the first housing being deformed to inhibit the first housing from coming off the first circuit board,

the second housing of the second connector includes a pair of projections mounted to the second circuit board, the pair of projections of the second housing being deformed to inhibit the second housing from coming off the second circuit board.

44. An electronic construction system comprising:

a first electronic module having a first circuit board, a first connector connected to the first circuit board of the first electronic module, and a mounting portion configured to removably connect the first electronic module to a mounting board, the first circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the top surface and the bottom surface each being different from and not including the first end and the second end; and

a second electronic module having a second circuit board, a second connector connected to the second circuit board of the second electronic module, and a mounting portion configured to removably connect the second electronic module to the mounting plate,

the first connector of the first electronic module is configured to be directly connected to the second connector of the second electronic module in a removable manner such that a side surface of the first electronic module and a side surface of the second electronic module are in contact with and abut each other,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the mounting portion of the first electronic module being a first mounting portion of the first electronic module and being configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member, the first electronic module including a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member,

the mounting portion of the second electronic module is a first mounting portion of the second electronic module and is configured to be received within the first opening of the support member, the second electronic module including a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening of the support member, the support member being configured to retain the first connector connected to the second connector.

45. The electronic construction system according to claim 44, wherein the first connector comprises at least one conductor, at least a portion of which extends outwardly from the side surface and is configured to engage with a conductor extending outwardly from a side surface of the second connector when the first connector is removably connected to the second connector.

46. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

the mounting plate having a first side and an opposite second side, the mounting portion of the first electronic module and the mounting portion of the second electronic module each being configured to be removably attached to the first side of the mounting plate,

47. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

the mounting plate defines a plurality of openings, the first mounting portion of the first electronic module is configured to be removably received within a first opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate, and the second mounting portion of the second electronic module is configured to be removably received within a second opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate.

48. The electronic building system according to claim 44, wherein the mounting portion of the first electronic module is a first mounting portion of the first electronic module and is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the first electronic module including a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first circuit board to the mounting plate,

the mounting portion of the second electronic module is a first mounting portion of the second electronic module and is configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting plate, the second electronic module including a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting plate to removably connect the second circuit board to the mounting plate.

49. An electronic construction system according to claim 44, wherein the mounting portion of the first electronic module is a first mounting portion of the first electronic module, the first electronic module including a second mounting portion, the first connector of the first electronic module having a first height, the system further comprising:

50. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

the first connector is mounted to one of the first end or the second end of the first circuit board, the electronic building system further comprising:

51. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

the mounting portion of the first electronic module and the mounting portion of the second electronic module are each configured to be removably attached to a first side of the mounting plate,

52. The electronic building system according to claim 44, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

53. An electronic construction system according to claim 50, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

54. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

55. An electronic construction system according to claim 44,

the second connector includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion of the second connector.

56. An electronic construction system comprising:

a first electronic module having a circuit board, a connector connected to the circuit board of the first electronic module, and a mounting portion configured to removably connect the first electronic module to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building block system, the circuit board of the first electronic module having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the top surface and the bottom surface each being different from and not including the first end and the second end; and

a second electronic module having a circuit board, a connector connected to the circuit board of the second electronic module, and a mounting portion configured to removably connect the second electronic module to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building block system,

the connector of the first electronic module is configured to be directly connected to the connector of the second electronic module in a removable manner such that a side surface of the first electronic module and a side surface of the second electronic module are in contact with and abut each other,

the electronic construction system further comprises:

a mounting plate having a first side and an opposing second side, the mounting portion of the first electronic module and the mounting portion of the second electronic module each being configured to be removably attached to the first side of the mounting plate,

wherein:

57. The electronic construction system according to claim 56, wherein the first connector includes at least one conductor, at least a portion of which extends outwardly from the side surface and is configured to engage with a conductor extending outwardly from a side surface of the second connector when the first connector is removably connected to the second connector.

58. An electronic construction system according to claim 56,

wherein the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building block system.

59. An electronic construction system according to claim 56, wherein:

the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to a component of a module building block system different from the electronic building block system.

60. An electronic construction system according to claim 56, wherein

The mounting plate defines a plurality of openings, the mounting portion of the first electronic module being configured to be removably received within a first opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate, and the mounting portion of the second electronic module being configured to be removably received within a second opening of the plurality of openings of the mounting plate.

61. The electronic building system according to claim 56, wherein the mounting portion of the first electronic module is a first mounting portion of the first electronic module and is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the first electronic module including a second mounting portion configured to be receivable within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first circuit board to the mounting plate,

62. The electronic construction system according to claim 56, wherein the mounting portion of the first electronic module is a first mounting portion of the first electronic module, the first electronic module including a second mounting portion, the first connector of the first electronic module having a first height, the system further comprising:

63. An electronic construction system according to claim 56,

the first connector is mounted to one of the first end or the second end of the first circuit board, the electronic construction system further comprising:

64. An electronic construction system according to claim 56, wherein:

the second side of the mounting plate is configured to be removably connected to a component of the modular building block system.

65. An electronic construction system according to claim 57, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

66. The electronic building system according to claim 63, wherein at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

67. The electronic construction system according to claim 56,

68. An electronic construction system according to claim 56,

69. An electronic construction system comprising:

a second module of the plurality of modules, the second module comprising a second circuit board and a second connector mounted to the second circuit board, the second connector having a side surface, the second connector configured to be removably connected directly to the first connector such that the side surface of the first connector contacts and abuts the side surface of the second connector and the at least one conductor of the first connector is electrically connected to the second circuit board,

the first module including a first mounting portion configured to removably connect the first module to a member other than the one of the plurality of modules, the second module including a second mounting portion configured to removably connect the second module to a member other than the one of the plurality of modules,

the electronic construction system further comprises:

a mounting plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side,

the first mounting portion of the first module and the second mounting portion of the second module are each configured to be removably connected to a first side of the mounting plate,

wherein:

the first mounting portion of the first module being configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member, the first module including a third mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member,

the second mounting portion of the second module is configured to be received within the first opening of the support member, the second module including a fourth mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening of the support member, the support member configured to retain the first connector connected to the second connector.

70. The electronic construction system according to claim 69,

71. The electronic construction system according to claim 69, wherein the first mounting portion of the first module is configured to be received within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the first module comprising a third mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate to removably connect the first module to the mounting plate,

the second mounting portion of the second module being configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting plate, the second module including a fourth mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting plate to removably connect the second module to the mounting plate,

the mounting plate is configured to be connected to at least one member of a modular building block system different from the electronic building system.

72. The electronic construction system according to claim 69, wherein the first module comprises a third mounting portion, the first connector having a first height, the system further comprising:

73. The electronic construction system according to claim 69,

at least one conductor of the third connector is configured to electrically connect to a third circuit board of a third module of the plurality of modules when the third connector is connected to the connector of the third module.

74. The electronic construction system according to claim 69, wherein the first mounting portion of the first module is configured to be receivable within a first opening of a plurality of openings defined in a mounting plate, the second mounting portion of the second module is configured to be received within a second opening of the plurality of openings defined in the mounting plate, the mounting plate being configured to be removably connected to at least one component of a module building block system that is different from the electronic construction system.

75. The electronic build system of claim 69, wherein:

76. The electronic construction system according to claim 69, wherein the at least one conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage with a conductor on the second connector of the second circuit board, and a connection portion integrally formed with the engagement portion and configured to electrically engage the first circuit board.

77. The electronic construction system according to claim 69,

78. The electronic build system according to claim 69, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing mounted to the first circuit board, the second connector comprises a second housing mounted to the second circuit board,

79. The electronic construction system according to claim 69,