EP3470127A1 - Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same - Google Patents
Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3470127A1 EP3470127A1 EP18184425.9A EP18184425A EP3470127A1 EP 3470127 A1 EP3470127 A1 EP 3470127A1 EP 18184425 A EP18184425 A EP 18184425A EP 3470127 A1 EP3470127 A1 EP 3470127A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- circuit board
- modules
- module
- mounting portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 12
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- CUGLICQCTXWQNF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2-dichloro-3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC=CC(C=2C(=CC=CC=2Cl)Cl)=C1Cl CUGLICQCTXWQNF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004606 Fillers/Extenders Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000000260 Warts Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052785 arsenic Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N arsenic atom Chemical compound [As] RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003066 decision tree Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005055 memory storage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000059 patterning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010399 physical interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000010153 skin papilloma Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010926 waste battery Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/042—Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
- A63H33/08—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/046—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts comprising magnetic interaction means, e.g. holding together by magnetic attraction
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of electronics and, more particularly, to electronic building blocks and toy building sets.
- an electronic educational toy or building system that teaches the logic of programming and circuit building without requiring expertise in either.
- the modular block building system consists of pre-assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) interconnected by small magnets. Each block performs one or more discrete functions (e.g., an LED, a pushbutton, a light sensor with a threshold, etc.), and the blocks can be combined to create larger circuits. Some blocks respond to external events such as mechanical forces, touch, proximity, radio frequency signals, environmental conditions, etc. Other blocks are pre-programmed such as synthesizers, oscillators, etc. Still other blocks simply pass current like wire blocks. Yet other blocks provide current such as power blocks/modules.
- PCB printed circuit boards
- the system includes modules having many different manners of interaction between the modules.
- the interaction between modules, not the modules themselves, may form the building blocks of the creative platform.
- the electronic component may be at the center of the manipulation: resistors, capacitors, batteries, etc.
- resistors, capacitors, batteries, etc. By manipulating the modules in those kits, children learn how electricity flows, how to design a circuit, or how to identify components.
- This knowledge is application specific and features only a single circuit. It has little or no bearing on how the touch sensitive wheel of an iPodTM works, for example, or how a nightlight works, or how a cell phone vibrates, or how a phone can detect rotation and automatically rotate images on the screen in response to that rotation, or how to make one's own objects that have that interactivity.
- the modules may be divided into categories corresponding to their function. Examples of categories include, but are not limited to: power modules, input modules, output modules, wire modules, etc. Power modules for instance take current from a battery, a wall wart, or other power source, and convert it into current feeding the other components of the system. In any working configuration of modules, there may be at least one power module.
- Input modules include, but are not limited to: buttons, switches, sensors, logic blocks, etc.
- Output modules include, but are not limited to: LEDs, displays, sound modules, etc. Wire modules do not perform a particular function, but act as wire extensions, configuration changers, and in some cases logic and state modules.
- standalone blocks are provided that may enable users, with little or no electronics or programming experience, to construct basic and complex sensor and interaction-based analog and digital circuits.
- All modules may include a standard interface and communicate automatically when connected. Each module includes three electrical lines and such lines are interconnected between and throughout all modules. These lines include Power, Signal and Ground. At the power modules, Power and Signal lines are at 5 Volts, the system is low power, and the Power and Ground lines are shared among all the modules. In other exemplary embodiments, the power may be something other than 5 Volts such as, for example, 3V, 9V, 12V, 15V, alternating current (AC), etc. Input modules take the incoming control Signal line, and manipulate it according to the module's function, and output the modified Signal voltage.
- the sensor module takes 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.
- Output modules respond to the Signal line by "visualizing" the voltage in light, sound, display or other forms.
- All modules are pre-assembled, pre-engineered, and contain the logic and circuitry required to make the component readily usable.
- an LED module contains a resistor corresponding to its current rating, an Operation Amplifier (OpAmp) as a buffer from the remainder of the circuit, and a coin cell battery module incorporates a discharge protection circuit.
- the system requires no prior knowledge of electronics and does not require any hardware or software platform.
- the system may include a hardware and/or software platform.
- the modules do not need to be programmed and do not require a central circuit controlling them, the system is standalone and does not need a computer or hub.
- the system may be connected to a device such as a computer, hub, memory storage, or personal electronic mobile device such as a cellular phone, smart phone, etc., in order to create additional functionality or to retrieve information or power from the device.
- a device such as a computer, hub, memory storage, or personal electronic mobile device such as a cellular phone, smart phone, etc.
- the modules are designed to couple together and cascade one after the next.
- the modules include magnetic connectors that ensure electrical connectivity and may be developed and mounted on the PCB.
- the magnetic connectors may be in male form and female form, and in some examples may correspond to north and south faces of magnets.
- each block may have two magnetic connectors mounted on it, one with the north face of the magnet(s) facing out and the other with the south face of the magnet(s) facing out.
- the south facing side of the magnetic connector of one module connects to the north facing side of the magnetic connector on the next module. This ensures proper connection and appropriate polarity.
- the repelling polarities inhibit the magnets from connecting in an inappropriate manner to facilitate connecting of the modules in the correct manner.
- 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, whereas the conductors carry the signal from one circuit board to the next through the mating of the male and female connectors.
- the three conductors are spring probes.
- the conductors may either be spring probes or small metal plates. Either way, the spring probes or the metal plates come into contact with the spring probes of the male connector and transfer the electrical signals into the circuit board.
- the magnetic connector also features an interlocking system as part of the plastic casing in the form of male and female complementary components.
- a male protrusion is included on one block and a female indentation is included on a second block.
- the protrusion and indentation cooperate to inhibit the blocks from sliding with respect to each other.
- a male protrusion and a female indentation are included on each block and the male protrusions and the female indentations on interfacing blocks cooperate to inhibit the blocks from sliding with respect to each other.
- the magnetic connector also features an interlocking system as part of the plastic casing in order to inhibit the modules from sliding side-to-side with respect to each other, and to ensure that the modules are assembled in the correct orientation (i.e., to inhibit an upside-down connection).
- the connectors can include a protrusion on the male or female side that corresponds to an indentation on the corresponding female or male side. Once the modules are connected, the protrusion enters the indentation and the modules are sufficiently locked together such that side-to-side movement is inhibited.
- the connectors can include a tabbed feature to inhibit side-to-side movement. For example, as shown in Fig.
- the portion of the connector nearest the circuit board includes both a rounded tab that protrudes laterally from the connector and a rounded indentation adjacent to the tab.
- a corresponding connector will include a rounded tab and indent in a configuration such that when the two connectors are adjoined, the rounded tab of the first connector inserts into the rounded protrusion of the second connector, and the rounded tab of the second connector inserts into the rounded protrusion of the first connector, thereby locking the two connectors together such that side-to-side movement is prevented.
- the connectors can include one or more protrusions. For example, as shown in Fig.
- the portion of the connector furthest from the circuit board (the "top") includes a series of horizontal protrusions.
- the horizontal protrusions on the two modules will properly align.
- the horizontal protrusions of the second connector would hit the rounded tab of the first connector and prevent the two connectors from properly adjoining.
- connectors In addition to the previously described exemplary connectors, many modifications to the connectors are possible, including, but not limited to, the casing, the type of conductors used, the number of conductors, as well as whether or not the magnets are acting as conductors, the number of magnets, the shape of the magnets, the polarity of the magnets, the manner in which the connectors couple to the circuit board of the block, etc.
- the number of available modules needs to be plenty. In general, only having a few nuts and bolts in the prototyping process is not very helpful, and alternatively can even be prohibitive.
- the present invention allows for the addition of new modules according to the interconnection and voltage standards. For example, starting from a set of a hundred modules, we can imagine and design hundreds or thousands of additional modules that fit and cooperate with the present system to extend the system's functionality. For example, we can potentially build modules such as galvanic skin sensors, arsenic detectors, microcontroller modules, etc., as well as adapter boards to other electronic block building systems and interfaces.
- At least one exemplary embodiment has been designed to allow for complex behaviors programmed through physical interaction.
- the set features logic and state modules that introduce the concept of programming to novices. Examples of such modules are the AND, OR and NOT blocks, as well as the Threshold block. These enable the user to program certain behaviors of his/her designed system without needing to learn a programming language, to write code on a computer, or to program a microcontroller circuit. Programming here is done through using logic modules to create decision trees. Also, modules feature controls such as switches, knobs and buttons that enable selection of modes of behavior. Just like a blender can have three buttons, each button corresponding to a particular speed of its motor, some modules in the present invention allow for the selection of a mode or adjustment of their behavior.
- a proximity sensor block can contain a mode switch and a potentiometer.
- the threshold level can be set, determining the input voltage level beyond which the module should output a high.
- the module can go from normally-high to normally-low, in essence inverting its response to the desired threshold.
- All blocks may be designed with space constraints in mind and may be kept at the minimum size possible in order to make the blocks easily integrable with other materials such as, for example, cardboard, plastic, pipe cleaners, etc.
- the blocks are user friendly in their look as well as their size, and make playing and prototyping with them attractive to children and adults alike regardless of the goal.
- the modules may be offered as individual blocks or as sets. These can range from standard block components to specialized sets such as sensor sets, mechanical sets, biological sets, sound sets, etc. Also, users can design and build their own modules or sets to extend the library.
- an electrical connector in some aspects, includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate 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 proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.
- an electrical module in other aspects, 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 coupling portion and an engagement portion, wherein the coupling portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the circuit board, and wherein the engagement portion is proximate the side surface of the housing, a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.
- a system in further aspects, includes a plurality of electrical modules selectively couplable together to transmit electrical current from one electrical module to another electrical module, each module has at least one functionality associated therewith and includes an electrical connector adapted to couple to an electrical connector of another one of the electrical modules, wherein, with the electrical connectors coupled together, a functionality of at least one of the plurality of electrical modules is dependent upon at least another one of the plurality of electrical modules.
- a system in still other aspects, includes a plurality of electrical modules adapted to be selectively coupled to one another, wherein the plurality of electrical modules include 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 including a first housing, a first electrical conductor supported by the first housing and including a first coupling portion and a first engagement portion, wherein the first coupling portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the first circuit board, a first magnet supported by the first housing, a first projection 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 coupling portion and a second engagement portion, wherein the second coupling portion is 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, and a second receptacle defined in the second housing, wherein, with the first electrical module coupled 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.
- An exemplary electronic building system 30 is provided.
- the electronic building system 30 is not only meant for use with pre-designed components and modules 34, but can also allow users to combine those modules 34 with other traditional prototyping and playing items in a design studio or home.
- Such materials may include, for example, paper, cardboard, wood, glue, pipe cleaners, foam, etc., thereby encouraging individuals to treat electronics like a material in the creative process.
- the system 30 may include at least four different types of modules 34: power; input; output; and wire; although more types of modules 34 are possible.
- Power modules 34 provide electricity to the system 30.
- Input modules 34 interpret data or their surroundings and provide that input to the system 30.
- Output modules 34 make visual, physical, or audible changes to their surroundings based on input(s) to the system 30.
- Wire modules 34 route power and communication between the modules 34 in the system 30.
- the power signal is transferred from the first module 34 to the second module 34. Accordingly, the second module 34 is powered entirely by the first module 34.
- a button module 34, sensor module 34, or other module 34 is placed somewhere between a first module 34 and a 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 (or, alternatively, may continuously pass) from the first module 34 to the second module 34 unless the button on the button module 34 is depressed or the sensor on the sensor module 34 is activated. Similarly, if a sensor module 34 is only partially activated, then only partial current is transferred from the first module 34 to the second module 34.
- modules 34 are possible in each category, including but not limited to the following: (i) power modules: wall power modules, battery power modules, solar power modules, discharge protection circuits; (ii) input modules: pulse modules, pressure sensor modules, proximity modules, input recording modules, potentiometer modules, button modules, temperature modules, accelerometer modules, memory modules, timer modules; (iii) output modules: motion modules, vibration motor modules, fan modules, RGB LED modules, LED modules, bar graph modules, speaker modules; and (iv) wire modules: wire modules of various lengths, extender modules, splitter modules, and electroluminescent wire modules. Any known type of circuit or electronic component or combination of components may be used to create a module 34 and thus form a portion of a system 30 built using such components.
- the modular system 30 described herein is reusable, scalable from small and simple circuits to large and complex circuits, and are sophisticated enough to allow for complex programming of behavior through manipulating tangible objects (using logic and state modules 34). Additionally, just as programmers use software modules and libraries to create bigger and more complex software programs, the modules 34 are transformed into a library of electronic components that can be used to create bigger and more complex components or systems. Indeed, a user can expand the module library almost indefinitely, adding any new component that they wish to use to their module repository.
- users can even create their own modules 34 and add them to the rest of the library.
- users may be provided with components of a module 34 - such as male magnetic connectors 38A and female magnetic connectors 38B that are able to snap onto or otherwise couple to a small circuit board, sensor, or other electronic component such that the connectors 38A/38B transmit current from one module 34 to another - that they can use to create their own inter-connectable modules 34 built from circuit board, sensors, or output mechanisms that they have built or gathered from another source.
- a module 34 - such as male magnetic connectors 38A and female magnetic connectors 38B that are able to snap onto or otherwise couple to a small circuit board, sensor, or other electronic component such that the connectors 38A/38B transmit current from one module 34 to another - that they can use to create their own inter-connectable modules 34 built from circuit board, sensors, or output mechanisms that they have built or gathered from another source.
- a system 30 comprising 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 wire), may comprise one or more different types of each module 34, a container in which to store the modules 34, a mounting board or substrate upon which to place or couple modules, may include learning materials, accessories, instructions, or a variety of other components.
- a kit may comprise a handful of modules 34 that may be connected in an almost unlimited number of combinations to perform numerous different input and output functions (see Figs. 10 and 17 ).
- the kit may also comprise a limited number of modules 34 that are intended to be assembled in a limited number of combinations, including a single combination, to perform a limited number of functions.
- the kit can comprise as many as tens or hundreds or more modules 34, or it can comprise just two modules 34 (a power module and an output module).
- the kit may be intended to augment an existing module library, in which case it may comprise just one type of module 34, such as a kit of only wire modules 34 or only output modules 34, for example.
- kits may also be directed to a certain age group, with a kit for the elementary level comprising fewer and/or less complicated modules 34 than a kit designed for the high school level, for example.
- the kits may include instructions, videos, or other means which inform the user as to one or more possible combinations of the modules 34.
- the instructions may instruct the user how to assemble the modules 34 into a battery-powered motion sensor that emits an audible alarm upon detection of movement.
- the system 30 is adapted to give access to sophisticated devices through, for example, simple three-line analog interfaces.
- Exemplary complex devices may include, but are not limited to, LCD displays, OLED screens, timers, accelerometers, logic gates, and many more. This may be accomplished by pre-engineering all modules 34 and providing "entry points" into the devices.
- the entry points are, for example, knobs or switches that allow the user to adjust the intensity or frequency of pulsing, flip modes of operation, set thresholds, make decisions, or remember a configuration, among many other operations.
- the exemplary modular systems described herein may take lessons and iconography from consumer electronics (such as, for example, blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles) and apply them to these semi-raw electronic modules 34.
- consumer electronics such as, for example, blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles
- the modular system 30 may treat electronic components like they are electronic devices. This means the learning curve for using and creating with the modular system 30 is very low, and the user's pre-existing knowledge obtained from manipulating their own consumer electronics may be taken advantage of to allow the users to program new objects through interaction.
- An exemplary entry point may include an OLED screen module 34 which requires an SD card slot in which users can insert an SD card preloaded with images and video.
- the OLED screen module 34 may also include a microcontroller on-board which is pre-programmed with firmware to access and display the images.
- Also integrated in the OLED screen module 34 may be a toggle switch and a knob, where the toggle switch selects between fixed images/video or looping and the knob adjusts the looping speed.
- the circuit-board and firmware itself may be complex, the end result will be an easy-to-use OLED screen module 34 with appropriate iconography that may be accessible to children and novice users alike.
- the exemplary system 30 may allow for and include the pre-engineering and design of numerous other complex modules 34 similar to the OLED screen example.
- the illustrated block 34 is a tact switch module 34 or a pushbutton, and illustrates how discrete electronic components are turned into blocks 34.
- a pushbutton component 42 is coupled (e.g., soldered) onto a Printed Circuit Board 46 that has two interfaces, the input interface and the output interface.
- a magnetic connector is mounted at each of the two interfaces.
- the magnetic connectors may be the same type of connector.
- 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 couple with the output interface of a previous module 34, and the output interface of the illustrated module 34 is designed to couple with the input interface of the next module 34.
- the module 34 features electrical traces designed to complete connections between two engaging interfaces for a Power line and a Ground line.
- a Signal line goes through the button 42, which makes or breaks the circuit, and thus transfers a modified Signal line to the output interface corresponding to the module function.
- the magnetic connectors 38A/B are coupled (e.g., soldered) to the PCB 46 by way of surface mount pads.
- the above-described drawing also illustrates the modular design of the system 30, as well as the connection and communication standards that make the system 30.
- FIG. 3 and 4 An exemplary configuration of an electronic building system 30 is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and includes the exemplary tact switch module shown in Figs. 1 and 2 .
- different modules will be identified with a common reference number "34" and a letter (e.g., 34C, 34D, 34E, etc.) associated with each different module.
- similar components between the modules will be identified with similar reference numbers and a letter corresponding to the letter associated with the module (e.g., module 34F, connector 38F, circuit board 46F, etc.).
- an exemplary tact switch module 34A is shown in the middle between a wall power module 34B and a 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 via the magnetic connectors described in detail below.
- the same manner of coupling applies to the tact switch module 34A and the LED module 34C, which contains a dip package LED component 50 coupled (e.g., soldered) to the PCB 46C.
- the power module 34B has a power adapter connector 54 that delivers DC voltage to the power module 34B.
- the pre-integrated circuitry in the power module 34B then drops down the voltage to a required voltage such as, for example, 5 Volts in the present example.
- a required voltage such as, for example, 5 Volts in the present example.
- the LED block 34C may be replaced by a buzzer block and, when the button is pressed, the buzzer makes an audible sound.
- the connector is a male magnetic connector 38A.
- Female magnetic connectors may be similar to the male connector except the female connectors may have spring probes 66 that project less from the connector.
- a pair of magnetic connectors 38A/B are electrically coupled to a PCB 46 to provide a module 34.
- any number of magnetic connectors may be electrically coupled to a PCB 46, including one, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the illustrated exemplary magnetic connector 38A male version here, includes a housing 58 in which two magnets 62 are molded with surface poles exposed that act as the polarizing and locking elements between modules 34.
- the housing 58 may be made of a non-conductive material such as plastic.
- Embedded in the housing 58 are three electrical conductors or spring probes 66 that are responsible for carrying the current from one module 34 to the next module 34.
- the magnetic connector 38A is mounted on the PCB 46 through mounting tabs 70 on both sides of the connector 38A.
- each connector (both male and female) includes a protrusion 71 and an indentation or receptacle 72 in the housing 58.
- the protrusions 71 are adapted to insert and mate with indentations 72 in other connectors when the connectors are coupled together.
- This engagement between protrusions 71 and indentations 72 inhibits the blocks 34 from sliding with respect to each other.
- This design ensures that blocks 34 couple together to inhibit sliding between the blocks 34 and also facilitate coupling the blocks 34 in the correct manner. Users have a difficult time making mistakes or dangerous electrical connections as is often possible with other electronic components. This makes the present electronic building system 30 accessible and friendly for children, non-engineers, and users who have little or no experience in electronics.
- the connector 38A shown in Figs. 5 and 6 includes three spring probes 66, any number of spring probes 66, including just one or many more than three, may be used to accommodate electrical current and/or communication from one module 34 to the next module 34.
- the connector 38A may include four, five, six, or more electrical lines. Further, many means other than spring probes may be used to transmit electrical current and/or communication from one module 34 to another module 34, as would be recognized by one of skill in the art.
- the female connector 38B may be structured to appropriately receive the spring probes 66 or other current-transmission means from the male connector 38A, such that current is properly transmitted between the connectors 38A/B and the modules 34.
- the connectors may not include a female connector and a male connector, but, rather, may include two similarly structured connectors that mate and facilitate transfer of electrical current and/or electrical communication from one module 34 to another module 34.
- the power module is a battery block 34E such as, for example, a coin cell battery block.
- a coin battery 82 delivers a little over 3 Volts stepped up to 5 Volts by the illustrated exemplary electronic circuit.
- the circuit also includes a discharge protection circuit, which demonstrates an example of how the electronic building system 30 may be designed to make the system easier to use and safe for users.
- the circuit may also include an embedded switch that enables a user to turn on or off the battery block 34E so as not to waste battery power.
- the next block connected to the battery block 34E is the pressure sensor module 34D, which reads the amount of pressure applied to a pressure sensor component 86 and outputs voltage in the range of 0 to 5 Volts depending on the amount of pressure applied. As more pressure is applied to the pressure sensor component 86, higher voltage transmits to the next modules.
- the next modules include a vibrating motor block 34F and an LED block 34G, both of which respectively vibrate more and illuminate brighter as the applied pressure increases.
- Figs. 3, 4 , and 7 illustrate how the electronic building system 30 is standalone and requires no hardware platform or computer to be connected.
- the above-described exemplary system could be used, for example, by a child wanting to create his/her version of a carnival's strength meter. As pressure is applied with more strength through a finger or hammer, the toy vibrates more and the LED 98 gets brighter.
- each module 34 may include control and protection circuitry to facilitate safe and easy operation of the module 34. Additionally, each module 34 may include an operational amplifier component used in a buffer configuration in order to reduce the amount of overall current consumption on the overall system 30 of coupled modules 34. This assists with facilitating the cascading of multiple modules 34 without significant loss of power, as well as scaling the system 30 as may be desired. In other exemplary embodiments, the system 30 may include a booster module in the overall system of coupled modules 34 in order to boost the current and/or power traveling through the power lines and ensure proper functioning of all the modules 34 in the system 30.
- the electronic building system 30 allows for programming of certain behavior and aesthetic of the modules 34 through controls.
- Fig. 8 an exemplary Red Green Blue (RGB) LED block 34H is shown.
- the output color of the RGB LED 102 is controlled by the value of a combination of three potentiometers or knobs 106 provided in the module 34H.
- each potentiometer one for Red, one for Green, one for Blue
- the screwdriver 110 or other device By changing the value of each potentiometer (one for Red, one for Green, one for Blue) using a screwdriver 110 or other device, the user is able to adjust the LED 102 to a desired color.
- the potentiometers 106 of this block 34H could be provided off the circuit board itself, and the color of the RGB LED 102 could be modified externally.
- the potentiometers may include knobs or other manually adjustable devices, thereby eliminating the need for tools to perform adjustment.
- a 9 Volt battery 114 is shown and is part of the power module 341, which is connected to a temperature sensor module 34J including a threshold component, followed by an audio module 34K.
- the temperature sensor module 34J may be more advanced than a traditional sensor module.
- the block 34J features a potentiometer 118 that may be adjusted to set a temperature threshold. If the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 122 is above the set temperature threshold, the module 34J outputs a high reading.
- an output of a high reading from the temperature sensor module 34J will cause the audio module 34K to activate and a speaker 126 to play a pre-recorded message associated with a high reading.
- this exemplary circuit could be used by a person wishing to have an alarm to turn on the Air Conditioning. When the temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold temperature, the audio module 34K could play back a message "time to turn on the AC!" Also, the audio module 34K may instead be replaced with a fan module, which may activate upon receiving a high temperature reading signal from the temperature sensor module 34J.
- the temperature sensor module may incorporate a mode switch 130 that can flip the behavior of the block 34J from 'normally-low' to 'normally-high'.
- a 'normally-high' setting would cause the module 34J to output a high reading except when the temperature exceeds the threshold.
- This means the audio module 34K would be playing recurrently until the room gets warmer, at which point the audio module 34K will cease to output audio.
- the kit 132 may include a plurality of modules or blocks 34 and a substrate or mounting board 134, upon which modules 34 may be placed, supported, and or connected.
- the mounting board 134 may be any size and be made of any material. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting board 134 is made of a non-conductive material.
- the kit 132 may include a container 138 in which the modules 34 may be stored when not in use.
- the plurality of blocks 34 and substrate 134 may be the beginning of a kit or library that a user adds to by creating or acquiring new modules and kits, all fitting together as part of the electronic building system 30.
- the modules 34L, 34M, 34N, 34P, 34Q, and 34R may be uniquely configured to provide a quick visual indication to a user of each module's function.
- the modules may be uniquely configured in any manner and have any characteristic to identify the functionality of the modules.
- any portion of the module 34 may be uniquely configured and have any characteristic to represent the unique configuration feature.
- the modules may have a characteristic that uniquely identifies the modules by color-coding, patterning, or may include unique structuring such as shapes, housings, interconnection or couplings, etc.
- the illustrated exemplary embodiments demonstrate color-coding of the connectors 38 as the exemplary manner of uniquely configuring modules to provide visual indicators as to the function of the modules.
- the modules may be uniquely configured in any manner and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the functionality of the modules identified by the unique configurations and characteristics may be any type or level of functionality.
- the unique configurations may indicate that the modules are input modules, power modules, wire modules, output modules, etc.
- the unique configurations of the modules may be more specific such as, for example, an LED module, a 9-volt battery module, a cell battery module, a potentiometer module, a switch module, a pressure sensor module, a pulse module, a button module, a vibration motor module, a wire module, etc.
- color-coding provides the user with a quick visual confirmation of the type of module, the functionality of the module, as well as allowing the user to learn which color combinations are possible.
- the connectors 38 are shaded in different manners. Shading connectors 38 in different manners to illustrate various colors is an exemplary manner of representing various colors and is not intended to be limiting. Other manners of representing different colors are contemplated and all of such are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the connectors 38 are capable of having any color and are not limited to the exemplary colors and associated shading included in the figures.
- wire modules 34L may include orange connectors 38L.
- orange connectors 38L may connect to other orange connectors 38L, to green connectors 38M, 38N of output modules ( Fig. 12 depicting a bar graph 34M, and Fig. 13 depicting a vibration motor 34N), and/or to pink connectors 38P, 38Q of input modules ( Fig. 14 depicting a pulse module 34P, and Fig. 15 depicting a pressure sensor 34Q), depending on the system 30 the user is attempting to build.
- Each system 30 will likely require a power module ( Fig.
- kits 132 depicting a wall power module 34R), which will include blue color-coded connectors 38R according to one exemplary embodiment.
- the kit 132 may include a blue power module 34R, one or more orange wire modules 34L, a plurality of pink input modules 34P, 34Q, 34S, 34T, and a plurality of green output module 34M, 34N, 34U, 34V.
- Other exemplary kits may include any number of modules 34 including any possible functionality and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 another exemplary system 30 is illustrated including a plurality of exemplary modules 34W, 34X, and 34Y and a mounting board or substrate 148 upon which to couple and support the modules.
- the system 30 illustrated in Fig. 18 is capable of including any type of module described herein or any other type of module having any type of functionality.
- the exemplary modules illustrated and described herein in connection with Fig. 18 are not intended to be limiting.
- the mounting board 148 may be any size and may be made of any material. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting board 148 may be 4 inches by 12 inches. In other exemplary embodiments, the mounting board 148 may be made of any non-conductive material.
- the mounting board 148 may be broken up or otherwise separated into smaller portions to a desired size appropriate to the desired application.
- the mounting board 148 may either be made of a material and have a configuration that enables breaking or separation of the mounting board 148 into smaller portions, or the mounting board 148 may include perforations, areas of decreased thickness, or other structural characteristics that provide predetermined locations for facilitating easy breaking or separating of the mounting board 148 into smaller portions.
- modules are adapted to have a variety of different types of functionality and include the appropriate connectors, circuit boards, and associated electrical components coupled to the circuit boards to perform the desired functionality.
- the modules shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes, and are not intended to be limiting.
- the exemplary illustrated modules include a wall power module 34W (power), a bar graph module 34X (input), and an LED module 34Y (output).
- each module 34X and 34Y is illustrated and each includes a pair of connectors 152 and a circuit board 156 appropriate to the desired functionality of the module.
- the module can include the appropriate electrical components to perform the desired functionality of the module.
- Each connector 152 includes a housing 160 comprised of two portions 160', 160" (see Fig. 21 ) coupled together, a pair of magnets 164, and a plurality of electrical conductors 168.
- the two portions of the housing 160 may be coupled together in a variety of manners such as, for example, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, adhesion, press-fit, friction-fit, interference-fit, snap fit or other positive locking manner, etc, and may be made of a variety of different materials such as, for example, plastic (e.g., ABS plastic), or other nonconductive materials.
- a first portion 160' of the housing defines a cavity 172 for receiving the second portion 160" of the housing therein.
- the cavity 172 is complementarily shaped to the second portion 160" to ensure a top surface 176 of the second portion 160" is substantially flush with a top surface 180 of the first portion 160' (see Figs. 20 and 21 ) and a side surface 184 of the second portion 160" is flush with a side surface 188 of the first portion 160' when the two portions 160', 160" are coupled together.
- the first portion 160' of the housing also defines a pair of magnet apertures 192 (see Fig. 21 ) in a side surface 196 thereof in which the magnets 164 are supported.
- the magnets 164 are cylindrical in shape, thereby providing a circular cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the magnet 164.
- the magnet apertures 192 defined in the first portion 160' of the housing are circular in shape.
- the magnets 164 may having any shape and the magnet apertures 192 may similarly have any shape that complements the shape of the magnets 164. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the magnets is square, then the magnet apertures in the first portion of the housing may be square.
- the magnet apertures may have shapes that are not complementary to the shape of the magnet.
- the magnetic aperture may be any shape that inhibits the magnet from passing through the magnetic aperture and escaping the housing 160 of the connector.
- the magnet may be cylindrical in shape, thereby providing a circular cross-section, and the magnet aperture may be square such that the square is sized sufficiently small to inhibit the magnet from passing through the aperture.
- the first portion 160' of the housing defines electrical conductor apertures 200 in the side surface 196 thereof for receiving and supporting a portion of the electrical conductors 168 (described in more detail below).
- the electrical conductor apertures 200 are circular in shape complementary to the shape of a portion of the electrical conductors 168 received therein.
- the electrical conductor apertures 200 may have any shape and be complementary to the shape of a portion of the electrical conductors 168 received therein.
- the first portion 160' of the housing further defines a plurality of conductor slots 204 (see Fig. 21 ) in a bottom surface 208 thereof for receiving the conductors 168 therein when the housing 160 is assembled.
- Each conductor slot 204 includes an upper end 212 having a first dimension, a bottom end 216 having a second dimension smaller than the first dimension, and tapered side surfaces 220 tapering from large to small 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 in order to provide sufficient support to the electrical conductors 168 when the housing 160 is assembled.
- the first portion 160' of the housing includes a pair of projections 224 extending downward from a bottom surface 208 thereof for coupling the connector 152 to the circuit board 156 of the module 34.
- the projections 224 are cylindrical in shape and may insert into apertures 228 (see Fig. 20 ) defined in the circuit board 156. Subsequently to inserting the projections 224 into the circuit board apertures 228, the projections 224 may be deformed to inhibit them from withdrawing from the apertures 228 in the circuit board 156.
- the projections 224 may be deformed in a variety of different manners such as, for example, melting or heating the projections 224, bending, smashing, or any other manner that sufficiently deforms the projections 224 to inhibit them from withdrawing from the apertures 228 in the circuit board 156.
- the housing 160 also defines a receptacle 232 in a side surface thereof and includes a projection 236 extending from the side surface and positioned adjacent the receptacle 232.
- a receptacle 232 and projection 236 are included in each connector housing 160 and assist with proper alignment and coupling together of modules 34.
- the receptacle 232 is shaped complementary to a shape of the projection 236 such that when a projection 236 is received in the receptacle 232 the projection 236 substantially fills the receptacle 232.
- the connectors 152 When coupling two modules 34 together, such as modules 34X and 34Y, the connectors 152 are aligned with the projection 236 on each connector 152 substantially aligned with the receptacle 232 on the other connector 152, and the modules 34X and 34Y are moved together until the magnetic force of the four magnets 164 on the two connectors 152 is sufficient to pull the connectors 152 together, thereby causing the projections 236 to insert into the receptacles 232. Upon connection, the projections 236 and receptacles 232 of the connectors 152 cooperate to inhibit substantial lateral and vertical movement of the modules 34X and 34Y relative to one another.
- the first portion 160' of the housing includes a pair of mounting members 240 extending downward there from and adapted to engage complementarily shaped receptacles 244 defined in the mounting board 148 (see Fig. 18 ).
- the mounting members 240 and the receptacles 244 are configured to provide adequate support to the modules 34 when mounted on the mounting board 148.
- the mounting members 240 have a shape comprised of a quarter of a circle and the receptacles 244 on the mounting board 148 are circular in shape (see, e.g., Fig. 19 regarding mounting members 240).
- the circuit board 156 can have various lengths and widths configured to provide appropriate spacing between the modules 34 and the mounting board 148. For example, as shown in Fig.
- the circuit board 156 included in module 34Y has a length such that with the connectors 152 disposed on each end of the circuit board 156, the mounting members 240 on one end of the circuit board 156 are disposed within receptacles 244 that are spaced four receptacles away from the receptacles 244 in which the mounting members 240 on the opposite end of the circuit board 156 are disposed. Said another way, there are three receptacles 244 between connectors 152 on the opposite ends of the circuit board 156 of module 34Y.
- the circuit board 156 included in module 34X shown in FIG. 18 has a length that is longer than a length of the circuit board of module 34Y.
- the connectors 152 disposed on each end of the circuit board 156 are disposed in receptacles 244 that are spaced five receptacles away from the receptacles 244 in which the mounting members 240 on the opposite end of the circuit board 156 of module 34X are disposed.
- the circuit board 156 can be provided with various lengths, while also accommodating appropriate spacing between receptacles 244 on the mounting board 148.
- an outer edge surface 157 of the circuit board 156 can be disposed substantially flush with an outer surface 151 of the connectors 152.
- the outer edge surface of the circuit board can be disposed inward or outward of the outer surface of the connectors. In other words, in such alternatives, the outer edge surface is not flush with the outer surface of the connectors.
- the electrical conductors 168 have a spring characteristic that allows for movement of the conductors 168 as a result of forces applied thereto.
- This spring characteristic that facilitates movement of the conductors 168 helps maintain contact with electrical conductors 168 on an adjacent module 34 coupled to the present module 34 during manipulation of the modules 34. Such manipulation may result in forces applied to the modules 34 causing movement of the modules 34 relative to one another.
- the electrical conductors 168 on adjacent modules can have different lengths such that the electrical conductors 168 extend from the housing 160 at varying distances.
- the electrical conductors 168 shown in Figure 19 have a length that is greater than a length of the electrical conductors 168 shown in Figure 20 .
- a connector 152 having electrical conductors 168 such as those in Figure 19 can be coupled to a connector 152 having electrical conductors 168 such as those shown in Figure 20 , and the corresponding electrical conductors 168 can exert a spring-force (or bias-force) on each other to substantially maintain the positioning of the coupled sets of electrical conductors 168 while the two connectors 152 are coupled together.
- a connector 152 can be a male connector or a female connector that can be matingly coupled together with the other type of connector (e.g., a female connector or a male connector, respectively).
- each electrical conductor 168 includes an engagement portion 248 (see Fig.
- the engagement portion 248 is adapted to engage an electrical conductor 168 of an adjacent module 34 coupled to the present module 34. Due to the electrical conductor 168 being made of a conductive material, the electrical current travels through the electrical conductor 168 of the present module 34 to its circuit board 156.
- Each electrical conductor 168 includes an enlarged portion 260 (see Fig. 21 ) positioned between ends of the conductor 168 that fits into a respective conductor slot 204.
- the enlarged portion 260 has a complementary shape to the conductor slot 204 to provide vertical and horizontal support to the electrical conductor 168 when the housing 160 is assembled.
- the enlarged portion 260 includes a tapered portion 264 (see Fig. 21 ) that complements the tapered surfaces 220 of the conductor slot 204.
- a support member 268 is coupled to two coupled together modules 34 to provide additional support to the coupled modules 34.
- the support member 268 is used instead of the mounting board 148 to provide modules 34 with additional support.
- the support member 268 may be configured to allow both the support member 268 and the mounting board 148 to provide support to two coupled together modules 34.
- the support member 268 includes a pair of receptacles 280 defined in a top surface 276 thereof for receiving mounting members 240 of coupled together modules 34.
- the receptacles 280 in the support members 268 are similarly sized, shaped and spaced apart as the receptacles 244 in the mounting board 148.
- the support member 268 also has a height H that, when two modules 34 are coupled to each other and to the support member 268, a top surface 276 of the support member 268 is substantially flush with and mates or engages with a bottom surface 288 of the housing 160.
- the support member 268 includes a width W1 that is substantially similar to a width W2 of two coupled together connectors 152 and a length L1 that is substantially similar to a length L2 of the two coupled together modules 34.
- the support member 268 may have configurations different than the illustrated exemplary embodiment as long as the support member 268 provides support to coupled together modules 34.
- a support member 268 may be coupled to each pair of coupled together connectors 152 in the system 30.
- the system 30 may include any number of support members 268 therein and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the exemplary systems 30 disclosed herein are adapted to cooperate with other types of systems to bring the functionality and features of the exemplary systems 30 to the other types of systems.
- the exemplary systems 30 may cooperate with any type of other system and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.
- an exemplary mounting board 148 of an exemplary system 30 of the present invention is shown cooperating with a toy building block system 292 such as, for example, a LEGO® building block system 292.
- the illustrated exemplary systems are not intended to be limiting, but, rather, are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes.
- the mounting board 148 is configured to cooperate with the exemplary LEGO® building block system 292 and, in particular, is configured to couple to a LEGO® building block system 292.
- a first side 296 of the mounting board 148 e.g., a top side
- a second side 298 of the mounting board 148 includes a plurality of projections 300 having cavities 304 defined therein that are appropriately spaced from one another to facilitate coupling to the LEGO® building block system 292.
- the systems 30 of the present invention may couple to any type of other systems and, accordingly, the second side 298 of the mounting board 148 may be configured in any manner to accommodate any type of other system to which the mounting board 148 is intended to couple.
- an adapter(s) or foot member can be included to adjust the height of a connector such that different connector embodiments can be coupled to a common circuit board or different circuit board / connector combinations can be coupled together.
- an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of the connector 38A (see FIG. 5 ) to increase a length or height of the connector 38A such that the connector 38A can be coupled to a circuit board 156 along with a connector 152.
- an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of the connector 38M (see FIG. 12 ) to increase a length or height of the connector 38M relative to a circuit board such that the connector 38M can be coupled to a different circuit board 156 having a connector 152.
- Such adapters can be, for example, adhesively coupled to a bottom portion of the connector 38A or connector 38M.
- the adapter can include a mounting member or portion similar to the mounting members 240 described above, such that the adapter can engage complementarily shaped receptacles (e.g., receptacles 244 described above) defined in a mounting board (e.g., mounting board 148 shown in Fig. 18 ).
- a module 34 can include connectors coupled to more than two ends or edges of a circuit board.
- Figs. 26A-26D are each a schematic illustration of a top view of a module including a circuit board and one or more connectors.
- the modules of Figs. 26A-26D can include various different embodiments of a connector and/or circuit board as described herein.
- Fig. 26A illustrates a module 334A including a circuit board 356A, and one connector 352A coupled to a single edge or end portion of the circuit board 356A.
- Fig. 26B illustrates a module 334B including a circuit board 356B, and two connectors 352B coupled to a single edge or end portion of the circuit board 356B.
- Fig. 26C illustrates a module 334C including a circuit board 356C, and three connectors 352C coupled to three different edges or end portions of the circuit board 356C.
- Fig. 26D illustrates a module 334D including a circuit board 356D, and four connectors 352D coupled to four different edges or end portions of the circuit board 356D.
- Figs. 27A and 27B are schematic illustrations of embodiments of a module showing side edges of a circuit board in relation to a side edge or surface of a connector.
- Fig. 27A illustrates a module 434A having a circuit board 456A and two connectors 452A coupled to the circuit board 456A.
- side edges 457A of the circuit board 456A are disposed inward of side edges or surfaces 451A of the connectors 452A.
- the side edges of a circuit board can be disposed outward of side edges or surfaces of the connectors.
- FIG. 27B illustrates a module 434B having a circuit board 456B and two connectors 452B coupled to the circuit board 456B.
- the connectors 452B are coupled to the circuit board 456B
- side edges 457B of the circuit board 456B are disposed substantially flush with side edges or surfaces 451B of the connectors 452B.
- modules may be coupled together to achieve various functionalities of the systems.
- Modules may be coupled in a cascading manner in which the inclusion of one module in the system may affect the functionality of downstream modules in a first manner and inclusion of a different module in the system may affect the function of downstream modules in another manner different than the first manner. That is, modules coupled together in a system may have dependencies upon one another to affect functionality thereof and of the entire system.
- a simple example to demonstrate this concept, but is not intended to be limiting, comprises a system include three modules: A power module, a button module, and an LED module. The button module and the LED module are dependent on the power module, and the LED module is dependent on the button module.
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
- Combinations Of Printed Boards (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Structures For Mounting Electric Components On Printed Circuit Boards (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of
U.S Provisional Application No. 61/728,103 U.S. Patent Application No. 13/593,891 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/527,860, filed August 26, 2011 - The present invention relates to the field of electronics and, more particularly, to electronic building blocks and toy building sets.
- Currently, people spend many hours a day with technological devices, but most don't know how they work, or how to make their own. For all the interactivity of these devices, people are bound to passive consumption. Furthermore, playing, creating, or integrating electronics into projects, toys and products is intimidating, time consuming, requires an expert skill set, as well as specialized hardware/software platforms. People are afraid to connect electronic objects the wrong way, or to electrocute themselves. This makes building objects with lights, sounds, buttons and other electronic components very difficult and prohibitive to kids, young students, designers, non-engineers, and others lacking necessary experience. But as advances in the miniaturization of technology increase, electronics need to become more accessible to non-experts in a cost effective manner.
- It becomes therefore clear that there is an opportunity and need to create a simple, easy to use, accessible electronic building block platform that can still enable the creation of complex, interdependent systems. Such a platform would enhance learning, enable 21st century experimentation and promote innovation. Also, what is needed is a system that acts like an additional material in the creative process and allows children and adults to combine and incorporate the system or its parts with other traditional materials such as paper, cardboard and screws.
- The following references provide background information and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: Ayah Bdeir, (2009), Electronics as material: littleBits, In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Tangible and Embedded Interaction (TEI '09), ACM, New York, NY, USA, 397-400, DOI=10.1145/1517664.1517743, at http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1517664.1517743; and Ayah Bdeir and Ted Ullrich, (2010), Electronics as material: littleBits, In Proceedings of the fifth international conference on Tangible, embedded, and embodied interaction (TEI '11), ACM, New York, NY, USA, 341-344, DOI=10.1145/1935701.1935781, at http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1935701.1935781.
- In some exemplary aspects, an electronic educational toy or building system is provided that teaches the logic of programming and circuit building without requiring expertise in either. The modular block building system consists of pre-assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) interconnected by small magnets. Each block performs one or more discrete functions (e.g., an LED, a pushbutton, a light sensor with a threshold, etc.), and the blocks can be combined to create larger circuits. Some blocks respond to external events such as mechanical forces, touch, proximity, radio frequency signals, environmental conditions, etc. Other blocks are pre-programmed such as synthesizers, oscillators, etc. Still other blocks simply pass current like wire blocks. Yet other blocks provide current such as power blocks/modules.
- In some aspects, the system includes modules having many different manners of interaction between the modules. The interaction between modules, not the modules themselves, may form the building blocks of the creative platform. In previous electronic kits the electronic component may be at the center of the manipulation: resistors, capacitors, batteries, etc. By manipulating the modules in those kits, children learn how electricity flows, how to design a circuit, or how to identify components. This knowledge, however, is application specific and features only a single circuit. It has little or no bearing on how the touch sensitive wheel of an iPod™ works, for example, or how a nightlight works, or how a cell phone vibrates, or how a phone can detect rotation and automatically rotate images on the screen in response to that rotation, or how to make one's own objects that have that interactivity. While we are a society obsessed with increasingly complex electronic devices (such as, for example, DVD players, MP3 players, cell phones, smoke alarms), the current learning tools on the market only teach the very basics of electronics and electricity, such as allowing us to turn on a light or see current flow. There is a widening gap between what is taught to the average American and what is both used and consumed by that American. This is also why most electronic kits and toys are very short-lived in that the kits and toys are not relevant to user's day-to-day life. To date, there is no way for children or adults to be able to create their own interactive objects with custom-designed interactive behavior, without having to program or learn the many complexities involved with advanced electronics. With the present modular system, people will be able to program interactivity intuitively and in a tangible way.
- The description and drawings herein are meant as an illustration of one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention, but should not be considered limiting or restrictive. As such, there are a number of manners of modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following text, the words block and module may be used interchangeably to signify the modular circuit boards.
- The modules may be divided into categories corresponding to their function. Examples of categories include, but are not limited to: power modules, input modules, output modules, wire modules, etc. Power modules for instance take current from a battery, a wall wart, or other power source, and convert it into current feeding the other components of the system. In any working configuration of modules, there may be at least one power module. Input modules include, but are not limited to: buttons, switches, sensors, logic blocks, etc. Output modules include, but are not limited to: LEDs, displays, sound modules, etc. Wire modules do not perform a particular function, but act as wire extensions, configuration changers, and in some cases logic and state modules.
- In one exemplary embodiment, standalone blocks are provided that may enable users, with little or no electronics or programming experience, to construct basic and complex sensor and interaction-based analog and digital circuits.
- In another exemplary embodiment, the general electrical operation of the system is as follows. All modules may include a standard interface and communicate automatically when connected. Each module includes three electrical lines and such lines are interconnected between and throughout all modules. These lines include Power, Signal and Ground. At the power modules, Power and Signal lines are at 5 Volts, the system is low power, and the Power and Ground lines are shared among all the modules. In other exemplary embodiments, the power may be something other than 5 Volts such as, for example, 3V, 9V, 12V, 15V, alternating current (AC), etc. Input modules take the incoming control Signal line, and manipulate it according to the module's function, and output the modified Signal voltage. In the case of a pressure sensor connected to a power module, for instance, the sensor module takes 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. Output modules respond to the Signal line by "visualizing" the voltage in light, sound, display or other forms.
- All modules are pre-assembled, pre-engineered, and contain the logic and circuitry required to make the component readily usable. For instance, an LED module contains a resistor corresponding to its current rating, an Operation Amplifier (OpAmp) as a buffer from the remainder of the circuit, and a coin cell battery module incorporates a discharge protection circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the system requires no prior knowledge of electronics and does not require any hardware or software platform. In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include a hardware and/or software platform. Also, in some exemplary embodiments, since the modules do not need to be programmed and do not require a central circuit controlling them, the system is standalone and does not need a computer or hub. However, according to one exemplary embodiment, the system may be connected to a device such as a computer, hub, memory storage, or personal electronic mobile device such as a cellular phone, smart phone, etc., in order to create additional functionality or to retrieve information or power from the device.
- In some aspects, the modules are designed to couple together and cascade one after the next. The modules include magnetic connectors that ensure electrical connectivity and may be developed and mounted on the PCB. The magnetic connectors may be in male form and female form, and in some examples may correspond to north and south faces of magnets. For standard blocks, each block may have two magnetic connectors mounted on it, one with the north face of the magnet(s) facing out and the other with the south face of the magnet(s) facing out. The south facing side of the magnetic connector of one module connects to the north facing side of the magnetic connector on the next module. This ensures proper connection and appropriate polarity. The repelling polarities inhibit the magnets from connecting in an inappropriate manner to facilitate connecting of the modules in the correct 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, whereas the conductors carry the signal from one circuit board to the next through the mating of the male and female connectors. In the male version of the connector, the three conductors are spring probes. On the female version of the connector, the conductors may either be spring probes or small metal plates. Either way, the spring probes or the metal plates come into contact with the spring probes of the male connector and transfer the electrical signals into the circuit board. The magnetic connector also features an interlocking system as part of the plastic casing in the form of male and female complementary components. In one example, a male protrusion is included on one block and a female indentation is included on a second block. The protrusion and indentation cooperate to inhibit the blocks from sliding with respect to each other. In another example, a male protrusion and a female indentation are included on each block and the male protrusions and the female indentations on interfacing blocks cooperate to inhibit the blocks from sliding with respect to each other.
- According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic connector also features an interlocking system as part of the plastic casing in order to inhibit the modules from sliding side-to-side with respect to each other, and to ensure that the modules are assembled in the correct orientation (i.e., to inhibit an upside-down connection). To inhibit side-to-side movement, the connectors can include a protrusion on the male or female side that corresponds to an indentation on the corresponding female or male side. Once the modules are connected, the protrusion enters the indentation and the modules are sufficiently locked together such that side-to-side movement is inhibited. In another embodiment, the connectors can include a tabbed feature to inhibit side-to-side movement. For example, as shown in
Fig. 12 , the portion of the connector nearest the circuit board (the "base") includes both a rounded tab that protrudes laterally from the connector and a rounded indentation adjacent to the tab. A corresponding connector will include a rounded tab and indent in a configuration such that when the two connectors are adjoined, the rounded tab of the first connector inserts into the rounded protrusion of the second connector, and the rounded tab of the second connector inserts into the rounded protrusion of the first connector, thereby locking the two connectors together such that side-to-side movement is prevented. To prevent upside-down connections, the connectors can include one or more protrusions. For example, as shown inFig. 12 , the portion of the connector furthest from the circuit board (the "top") includes a series of horizontal protrusions. When two modules are adjoined by the user, the horizontal protrusions on the two modules will properly align. Further, due to the rounded tab at the bottom of the connector, as shown inFig. 12 for example, if a second connector was adjoined upside-down, the horizontal protrusions of the second connector would hit the rounded tab of the first connector and prevent the two connectors from properly adjoining. - In addition to the previously described exemplary connectors, many modifications to the connectors are possible, including, but not limited to, the casing, the type of conductors used, the number of conductors, as well as whether or not the magnets are acting as conductors, the number of magnets, the shape of the magnets, the polarity of the magnets, the manner in which the connectors couple to the circuit board of the block, etc.
- In order for the system to be expressive and broaden, rather than constrain creativity, the number of available modules needs to be plenty. In general, only having a few nuts and bolts in the prototyping process is not very helpful, and alternatively can even be prohibitive. The present invention allows for the addition of new modules according to the interconnection and voltage standards. For example, starting from a set of a hundred modules, we can imagine and design hundreds or thousands of additional modules that fit and cooperate with the present system to extend the system's functionality. For example, we can potentially build modules such as galvanic skin sensors, arsenic detectors, microcontroller modules, etc., as well as adapter boards to other electronic block building systems and interfaces.
- At least one exemplary embodiment has been designed to allow for complex behaviors programmed through physical interaction. The set features logic and state modules that introduce the concept of programming to novices. Examples of such modules are the AND, OR and NOT blocks, as well as the Threshold block. These enable the user to program certain behaviors of his/her designed system without needing to learn a programming language, to write code on a computer, or to program a microcontroller circuit. Programming here is done through using logic modules to create decision trees. Also, modules feature controls such as switches, knobs and buttons that enable selection of modes of behavior. Just like a blender can have three buttons, each button corresponding to a particular speed of its motor, some modules in the present invention allow for the selection of a mode or adjustment of their behavior. For instance, a proximity sensor block can contain a mode switch and a potentiometer. Through the manipulation of the embedded potentiometer, the threshold level can be set, determining the input voltage level beyond which the module should output a high. Also, by flipping the switch, the module can go from normally-high to normally-low, in essence inverting its response to the desired threshold.
- All blocks may be designed with space constraints in mind and may be kept at the minimum size possible in order to make the blocks easily integrable with other materials such as, for example, cardboard, plastic, pipe cleaners, etc. The blocks are user friendly in their look as well as their size, and make playing and prototyping with them attractive to children and adults alike regardless of the goal.
- The modules may be offered as individual blocks or as sets. These can range from standard block components to specialized sets such as sensor sets, mechanical sets, biological sets, sound sets, etc. Also, users can design and build their own modules or sets to extend the library.
- In some aspects, an electrical connector is provided and includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate 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 proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection 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 and 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 coupling portion and an engagement portion, wherein the coupling portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the circuit board, and wherein the engagement portion is proximate the side surface of the housing, a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing.
- In further aspects, a system is provided and includes a plurality of electrical modules selectively couplable together to transmit electrical current from one electrical module to another electrical module, each module has at least one functionality associated therewith and includes an electrical connector adapted to couple to an electrical connector of another one of the electrical modules, wherein, with the electrical connectors coupled together, a functionality of at least one of the plurality of electrical modules is dependent upon at least another one of the plurality of electrical modules.
- In still other aspects, a system is provided and includes a plurality of electrical modules adapted to be selectively coupled to one another, wherein the plurality of electrical modules include 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 including a first housing, a first electrical conductor supported by the first housing and including a first coupling portion and a first engagement portion, wherein the first coupling portion is adapted to engage and electrically communicate with the first circuit board, a first magnet supported by the first housing, a first projection 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 coupling portion and a second engagement portion, wherein the second coupling portion is 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, and a second receptacle defined in the second housing, wherein, with the first electrical module coupled 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 present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative constructions, some of which are detailed in the drawings below. However, it should be clear that the intention is not to limit the invention to a particular embodiment or form, but rather the present invention should cover changes, additions and modifications as part of its scope. Independent features and independent advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and drawings.
-
-
Fig. 1 is a top view of an exemplary module of the system; -
Fig. 2 is a side view of the module shown inFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a top view of a set of three modules before connecting the three modules; -
Fig. 4 is a top view of the three modules shown inFig. 3 after connection to illustrate how the modules connect together using magnetic connectors of the modules; -
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic connector of a module; -
Fig. 6 is a top view of the magnetic connector shown inFig. 5 ; -
Fig. 7 is an exemplary; configuration of four modules; -
Fig. 8 is a top view of an exemplary module of the system featuring controls; -
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary set of three modules of the system including one module illustrating physical programming through controls; -
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary packaged kit including a plurality of exemplary modules and an exemplary mounting board for mounting modules; -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary wire 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 kit of the system; -
Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of other exemplary modules and another exemplary mounting board of the exemplary system, each module including at least one of another exemplary connector for coupling together modules; -
Fig. 19 is a bottom perspective view of two coupled together modules shown inFig. 18 ; -
Fig. 20 is a top exploded view of one of the modules shown inFig. 18 ; -
Fig. 21 is a top exploded view of one of the connectors shown inFig. 18 ; -
Fig. 22 is a bottom perspective view of two exemplary modules coupled together and an exemplary support member coupled to two of the connectors; -
Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of the support member shown inFig. 22 ; -
Fig. 24 is a top perspective view of an exemplary mounting board coupled to an exemplary configuration of toy building blocks; -
Fig. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting board and exemplary toy building blocks shown inFig. 24 ; -
Figs. 26A-26D are each a schematic illustration of a top view of a different embodiment of a module; and -
Figs. 27A-27B are each a schematic illustration of a top view of a different embodiment of a module. - Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "front", "back", etc. are not intended to be limiting and are used for describing the exemplary illustrated embodiments herein.
- An exemplary
electronic building system 30 is provided. Theelectronic building system 30 is not only meant for use with pre-designed components andmodules 34, but can also allow users to combine thosemodules 34 with other traditional prototyping and playing items in a design studio or home. Such materials may include, for example, paper, cardboard, wood, glue, pipe cleaners, foam, etc., thereby encouraging individuals to treat electronics like a material in the creative process. - In some exemplary embodiments, the
system 30 may include at least four different types of modules 34: power; input; output; and wire; although more types ofmodules 34 are possible.Power modules 34 provide electricity to thesystem 30.Input modules 34 interpret data or their surroundings and provide that input to thesystem 30.Output modules 34 make visual, physical, or audible changes to their surroundings based on input(s) to thesystem 30.Wire modules 34 route power and communication between themodules 34 in thesystem 30. - According to one exemplary embodiment, when a
first module 34 is connected to asecond module 34, the power signal is transferred from thefirst module 34 to thesecond module 34. Accordingly, thesecond module 34 is powered entirely by thefirst module 34. If abutton module 34,sensor module 34, orother module 34 is placed somewhere between afirst module 34 and asecond module 34, the current may be affected by the action of thebutton module 34 orsensor module 34. For example, current may not pass (or, alternatively, may continuously pass) from thefirst module 34 to thesecond module 34 unless the button on thebutton module 34 is depressed or the sensor on thesensor module 34 is activated. Similarly, if asensor module 34 is only partially activated, then only partial current is transferred from thefirst module 34 to thesecond module 34. - Many different types of
modules 34 are possible in each category, including but not limited to the following: (i) power modules: wall power modules, battery power modules, solar power modules, discharge protection circuits; (ii) input modules: pulse modules, pressure sensor modules, proximity modules, input recording modules, potentiometer modules, button modules, temperature modules, accelerometer modules, memory modules, timer modules; (iii) output modules: motion modules, vibration motor modules, fan modules, RGB LED modules, LED modules, bar graph modules, speaker modules; and (iv) wire modules: wire modules of various lengths, extender modules, splitter modules, and electroluminescent wire modules. Any known type of circuit or electronic component or combination of components may be used to create amodule 34 and thus form a portion of asystem 30 built using such components. - The
modular system 30 described herein is reusable, scalable from small and simple circuits to large and complex circuits, and are sophisticated enough to allow for complex programming of behavior through manipulating tangible objects (using logic and state modules 34). Additionally, just as programmers use software modules and libraries to create bigger and more complex software programs, themodules 34 are transformed into a library of electronic components that can be used to create bigger and more complex components or systems. Indeed, a user can expand the module library almost indefinitely, adding any new component that they wish to use to their module repository. - Users can even create their
own modules 34 and add them to the rest of the library. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, users may be provided with components of a module 34 - such as malemagnetic connectors 38A and femalemagnetic connectors 38B that are able to snap onto or otherwise couple to a small circuit board, sensor, or other electronic component such that theconnectors 38A/38B transmit current from onemodule 34 to another - that they can use to create their owninter-connectable modules 34 built from circuit board, sensors, or output mechanisms that they have built or gathered from another source. - According to another exemplary embodiment, a
system 30 comprisingseveral 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 wire), may comprise one or more different types of eachmodule 34, a container in which to store themodules 34, a mounting board or substrate upon which to place or couple modules, may include learning materials, accessories, instructions, or a variety of other components. For example, a kit may comprise a handful ofmodules 34 that may be connected in an almost unlimited number of combinations to perform numerous different input and output functions (seeFigs. 10 and17 ). In other exemplary embodiments, the kit may also comprise a limited number ofmodules 34 that are intended to be assembled in a limited number of combinations, including a single combination, to perform a limited number of functions. For example, to comprise a kit that is intended to be built into a functional system, the kit can comprise as many as tens or hundreds ormore modules 34, or it can comprise just two modules 34 (a power module and an output module). Alternatively, the kit may be intended to augment an existing module library, in which case it may comprise just one type ofmodule 34, such as a kit ofonly wire modules 34 or onlyoutput modules 34, for example. The kits may also be directed to a certain age group, with a kit for the elementary level comprising fewer and/or lesscomplicated modules 34 than a kit designed for the high school level, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, the kits may include instructions, videos, or other means which inform the user as to one or more possible combinations of themodules 34. For example, the instructions may instruct the user how to assemble themodules 34 into a battery-powered motion sensor that emits an audible alarm upon detection of movement. - One potential aspect of the exemplary kits, systems, and modules may be to extend the concept of the modular platform into more complex components. According to one exemplary embodiment, the
system 30 is adapted to give access to sophisticated devices through, for example, simple three-line analog interfaces. Exemplary complex devices may include, but are not limited to, LCD displays, OLED screens, timers, accelerometers, logic gates, and many more. This may be accomplished by pre-engineering allmodules 34 and providing "entry points" into the devices. The entry points are, for example, knobs or switches that allow the user to adjust the intensity or frequency of pulsing, flip modes of operation, set thresholds, make decisions, or remember a configuration, among many other operations. These may be considered "entry points" because they are based on similar devices that people know how to use from their everyday lives. The exemplary modular systems described herein may take lessons and iconography from consumer electronics (such as, for example, blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles) and apply them to these semi-rawelectronic modules 34. In this way, themodular system 30 may treat electronic components like they are electronic devices. This means the learning curve for using and creating with themodular system 30 is very low, and the user's pre-existing knowledge obtained from manipulating their own consumer electronics may be taken advantage of to allow the users to program new objects through interaction. - An exemplary entry point may include an
OLED screen module 34 which requires an SD card slot in which users can insert an SD card preloaded with images and video. TheOLED screen module 34 may also include a microcontroller on-board which is pre-programmed with firmware to access and display the images. Also integrated in theOLED screen module 34 may be a toggle switch and a knob, where the toggle switch selects between fixed images/video or looping and the knob adjusts the looping speed. In the above example, even though the circuit-board and firmware itself may be complex, the end result will be an easy-to-useOLED screen module 34 with appropriate iconography that may be accessible to children and novice users alike. Theexemplary system 30 may allow for and include the pre-engineering and design of numerous othercomplex modules 34 similar to the OLED screen example. - Referring now to
Figs. 1 and 2 , an exemplary module or block 34 of theelectronic building system 30 is illustrated (exemplary systems 30 illustrated inFigs. 3, 4 ,7 ,9 , and10 ). The illustratedblock 34 is atact switch module 34 or a pushbutton, and illustrates how discrete electronic components are turned intoblocks 34. Apushbutton component 42 is coupled (e.g., soldered) onto a PrintedCircuit Board 46 that has two interfaces, the input interface and the output interface. A magnetic connector is mounted at each of the two interfaces. In some exemplary embodiments, the magnetic connectors may be the same type of connector. In other exemplary embodiments, the connectors may include amale connector 38A on the input interface side and afemale connector 38B on the output interface side. - The input interface of the
tact switch module 34 inFig. 1 is designed to couple with the output interface of aprevious module 34, and the output interface of the illustratedmodule 34 is designed to couple with the input interface of thenext module 34. Themodule 34 features electrical traces designed to complete connections between two engaging interfaces for a Power line and a Ground line. A Signal line goes through thebutton 42, which makes or breaks the circuit, and thus transfers a modified Signal line to the output interface corresponding to the module function. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, themagnetic connectors 38A/B are coupled (e.g., soldered) to thePCB 46 by way of surface mount pads. The above-described drawing also illustrates the modular design of thesystem 30, as well as the connection and communication standards that make thesystem 30. - An exemplary configuration of an
electronic building system 30 is illustrated inFigs. 3 and 4 and includes the exemplary tact switch module shown inFigs. 1 and 2 . In these figures and the figures hereafter, different modules will be identified with a common reference number "34" and a letter (e.g., 34C, 34D, 34E, etc.) associated with each different module. Likewise, similar components between the modules will be identified with similar reference numbers and a letter corresponding to the letter associated with the module (e.g.,module 34F,connector 38F, circuit board 46F, etc.). - In
Figs. 3 and 4 , an exemplarytact switch module 34A is shown in the middle between a wall power module 34B and a Light Emitting Diode (LED)module 34C. Themale connector 38A on thetact switch module 34A is attracted to thefemale connector 38B on the wall power module 34B via the magnetic connectors described in detail below. The same manner of coupling applies to thetact switch module 34A and theLED module 34C, which contains a dippackage LED component 50 coupled (e.g., soldered) to thePCB 46C. When the magnetic connectors in the three illustratedmodules 34 couple together as inFig. 4 , and the user pushes down thetact switch 42 of theswitch module 34A, the circuit is completed and theLED 50 illuminates. The power module 34B has apower adapter connector 54 that delivers DC voltage to the power module 34B. The pre-integrated circuitry in the power module 34B then drops down the voltage to a required voltage such as, for example, 5 Volts in the present example. Note that if thetact switch module 34A is removed from between the two other modules, theLED module 34C will be attracted to the power module 34B andLED 50 will remain illuminated at all times. In the above mentioned scenario, there is one power block (the wall power), one input block (the switch) and one output block (the LED). It should be understood that theexemplary blocks 34 may be replaced byother blocks 34 having other functionality. For example, theLED block 34C may be replaced by a buzzer block and, when the button is pressed, the buzzer makes an audible sound. Hundreds of other combinations are possible with different blocks having different functionality all forming different circuits, with immediate response of the elements, and without any need for programming, soldering or circuit assembly. - Referring now to
Figs. 5 and 6 , an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic connector is illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connector is a malemagnetic connector 38A. Female magnetic connectors may be similar to the male connector except the female connectors may have spring probes 66 that project less from the connector. In some exemplary embodiments, a pair ofmagnetic connectors 38A/B are electrically coupled to aPCB 46 to provide amodule 34. Alternatively, any number of magnetic connectors may be electrically coupled to aPCB 46, including one, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. The illustrated exemplarymagnetic connector 38A, male version here, includes ahousing 58 in which twomagnets 62 are molded with surface poles exposed that act as the polarizing and locking elements betweenmodules 34. In some exemplary embodiments, thehousing 58 may be made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. Embedded in thehousing 58 are three electrical conductors or spring probes 66 that are responsible for carrying the current from onemodule 34 to thenext module 34. In addition and for extra support, themagnetic connector 38A is mounted on thePCB 46 through mountingtabs 70 on both sides of theconnector 38A. The male connector described above mates with a female connector that looks similar, however, the spring probes 66 in the female connector may be replaced with metal plates, and the magnet exposed surface is opposite to that of the male connector. In other exemplary embodiments, the spring probes 66 in the female connector may be similar to the spring probes 66 in the male connector except they may project less from theconnector housing 58 than the spring probes 66 of the male connector. Also note that each connector (both male and female) includes aprotrusion 71 and an indentation orreceptacle 72 in thehousing 58. Theprotrusions 71 are adapted to insert and mate withindentations 72 in other connectors when the connectors are coupled together. This engagement betweenprotrusions 71 andindentations 72 inhibits theblocks 34 from sliding with respect to each other. This design ensures that blocks 34 couple together to inhibit sliding between theblocks 34 and also facilitate coupling theblocks 34 in the correct manner. Users have a difficult time making mistakes or dangerous electrical connections as is often possible with other electronic components. This makes the presentelectronic building system 30 accessible and friendly for children, non-engineers, and users who have little or no experience in electronics. - While the
connector 38A shown inFigs. 5 and 6 includes threespring probes 66, any number of spring probes 66, including just one or many more than three, may be used to accommodate electrical current and/or communication from onemodule 34 to thenext module 34. For example, theconnector 38A may include four, five, six, or more electrical lines. Further, many means other than spring probes may be used to transmit electrical current and/or communication from onemodule 34 to anothermodule 34, as would be recognized by one of skill in the art. In each system, thefemale connector 38B may be structured to appropriately receive the spring probes 66 or other current-transmission means from themale connector 38A, such that current is properly transmitted between theconnectors 38A/B and themodules 34. In other exemplary embodiments, the connectors may not include a female connector and a male connector, but, rather, may include two similarly structured connectors that mate and facilitate transfer of electrical current and/or electrical communication from onemodule 34 to anothermodule 34. - With reference to
Fig. 7 , another exemplary configuration of modules or blocks 34 is illustrated and this exemplary configuration provides a pressure sensor module 34D. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the power module is abattery block 34E such as, for example, a coin cell battery block. In thisblock 34E, acoin battery 82 delivers a little over 3 Volts stepped up to 5 Volts by the illustrated exemplary electronic circuit. The circuit also includes a discharge protection circuit, which demonstrates an example of how theelectronic building system 30 may be designed to make the system easier to use and safe for users. The circuit may also include an embedded switch that enables a user to turn on or off thebattery block 34E so as not to waste battery power. The next block connected to thebattery block 34E is the pressure sensor module 34D, which reads the amount of pressure applied to apressure sensor component 86 and outputs voltage in the range of 0 to 5 Volts depending on the amount of pressure applied. As more pressure is applied to thepressure sensor component 86, higher voltage transmits to the next modules. In this example, the next modules include a vibratingmotor block 34F and anLED block 34G, both of which respectively vibrate more and illuminate brighter as the applied pressure increases.Figs. 3, 4 , and7 , among others, illustrate how theelectronic building system 30 is standalone and requires no hardware platform or computer to be connected. The above-described exemplary system could be used, for example, by a child wanting to create his/her version of a carnival's strength meter. As pressure is applied with more strength through a finger or hammer, the toy vibrates more and theLED 98 gets brighter. - In some exemplary embodiments, each
module 34 may include control and protection circuitry to facilitate safe and easy operation of themodule 34. Additionally, eachmodule 34 may include an operational amplifier component used in a buffer configuration in order to reduce the amount of overall current consumption on theoverall system 30 of coupledmodules 34. This assists with facilitating the cascading ofmultiple modules 34 without significant loss of power, as well as scaling thesystem 30 as may be desired. In other exemplary embodiments, thesystem 30 may include a booster module in the overall system of coupledmodules 34 in order to boost the current and/or power traveling through the power lines and ensure proper functioning of all themodules 34 in thesystem 30. - Beyond being able to produce discrete behaviors by cascading
modules 34, theelectronic building system 30 allows for programming of certain behavior and aesthetic of themodules 34 through controls. InFig. 8 , an exemplary Red Green Blue (RGB)LED block 34H is shown. In thismodule 34H, the output color of the RGB LED 102 is controlled by the value of a combination of three potentiometers orknobs 106 provided in themodule 34H. By changing the value of each potentiometer (one for Red, one for Green, one for Blue) using ascrewdriver 110 or other device, the user is able to adjust the LED 102 to a desired color. In other exemplary embodiments, thepotentiometers 106 of thisblock 34H could be provided off the circuit board itself, and the color of the RGB LED 102 could be modified externally. In further exemplary embodiments, the potentiometers may include knobs or other manually adjustable devices, thereby eliminating the need for tools to perform adjustment. - Yet another example of programming behavior in the
electronic building system 30 through controls is shown inFig. 9 . Again, the user is able to program behavior of the circuit by manipulating physical elements and without any code writing. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a 9Volt battery 114 is shown and is part of thepower module 341, which is connected to atemperature sensor module 34J including a threshold component, followed by anaudio module 34K. In this example, thetemperature sensor module 34J may be more advanced than a traditional sensor module. Theblock 34J features apotentiometer 118 that may be adjusted to set a temperature threshold. If the temperature detected by atemperature sensor 122 is above the set temperature threshold, themodule 34J outputs a high reading. This is an example of integrating logic with the simpler analog blocks in order to enable complex circuit configurations. In this example, an output of a high reading from thetemperature sensor module 34J will cause theaudio module 34K to activate and aspeaker 126 to play a pre-recorded message associated with a high reading. For instance, this exemplary circuit could be used by a person wishing to have an alarm to turn on the Air Conditioning. When the temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold temperature, theaudio module 34K could play back a message "time to turn on the AC!" Also, theaudio module 34K may instead be replaced with a fan module, which may activate upon receiving a high temperature reading signal from thetemperature sensor module 34J. - In some exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor module may incorporate a
mode switch 130 that can flip the behavior of theblock 34J from 'normally-low' to 'normally-high'. In contrast to the first explained configuration (which was normally-low), a 'normally-high' setting would cause themodule 34J to output a high reading except when the temperature exceeds the threshold. This means theaudio module 34K would be playing recurrently until the room gets warmer, at which point theaudio module 34K will cease to output audio. These controls, in addition to pre-programmed blocks, logic blocks and state blocks, will allow thesystem 30 to enable complex prototypes and circuits with no programming or electronics knowledge. - Referring now to
Fig. 10 , anexemplary kit 132 is illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thekit 132 may include a plurality of modules or blocks 34 and a substrate or mountingboard 134, upon whichmodules 34 may be placed, supported, and or connected. The mountingboard 134 may be any size and be made of any material. In some exemplary embodiments, the mountingboard 134 is made of a non-conductive material. Additionally, thekit 132 may include acontainer 138 in which themodules 34 may be stored when not in use. The plurality ofblocks 34 andsubstrate 134 may be the beginning of a kit or library that a user adds to by creating or acquiring new modules and kits, all fitting together as part of theelectronic building system 30. The previous descriptions and drawings aim to serve as examples of configurations and modules enabled by the system. These are by no means restrictive or limiting, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the embodiments, methods, and examples herein. - With reference to
Figs. 11-16 , themodules module 34 may be uniquely configured and have any characteristic to represent the unique configuration feature. For example, the modules may have a characteristic that uniquely identifies the modules by color-coding, patterning, or may include unique structuring such as shapes, housings, interconnection or couplings, etc. The illustrated exemplary embodiments demonstrate color-coding of theconnectors 38 as the exemplary manner of uniquely configuring modules to provide visual indicators as to the function of the modules. However, it should be understood that this exemplary illustrated embodiment of color-coding connectors 38 is not intended to be limiting and the modules may be uniquely configured in any manner and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The functionality of the modules identified by the unique configurations and characteristics may be any type or level of functionality. For example, the unique configurations may indicate that the modules are input modules, power modules, wire modules, output modules, etc. In other examples, the unique configurations of the modules may be more specific such as, for example, an LED module, a 9-volt battery module, a cell battery module, a potentiometer module, a switch module, a pressure sensor module, a pulse module, a button module, a vibration motor module, a wire module, etc. - In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, color-coding provides the user with a quick visual confirmation of the type of module, the functionality of the module, as well as allowing the user to learn which color combinations are possible. To represent
connectors 38 having various colors inFigs. 11-16 , theconnectors 38 are shaded in different manners.Shading connectors 38 in different manners to illustrate various colors is an exemplary manner of representing various colors and is not intended to be limiting. Other manners of representing different colors are contemplated and all of such are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, theconnectors 38 are capable of having any color and are not limited to the exemplary colors and associated shading included in the figures. - According to one exemplary embodiment as shown in
Fig. 11 ,wire modules 34L may includeorange connectors 38L. Upon reading the instruction manual, receiving on-line instruction, or through trial-and-error, the user learns thatorange connectors 38L may connect to otherorange connectors 38L, togreen connectors Fig. 12 depicting abar graph 34M, andFig. 13 depicting avibration motor 34N), and/or topink connectors 38P, 38Q of input modules (Fig. 14 depicting apulse module 34P, andFig. 15 depicting a pressure sensor 34Q), depending on thesystem 30 the user is attempting to build. Eachsystem 30 will likely require a power module (Fig. 16 depicting awall power module 34R), which will include blue color-codedconnectors 38R according to one exemplary embodiment. In this illustrated exemplary embodiment and with reference toFig. 17 illustrating akit 132 associated with the exemplary system, thekit 132 may include ablue power module 34R, one or moreorange wire modules 34L, a plurality ofpink input modules 34P, 34Q, 34S, 34T, and a plurality ofgreen output module modules 34 including any possible functionality and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. - Referring now to
Fig. 18 , anotherexemplary system 30 is illustrated including a plurality ofexemplary modules substrate 148 upon which to couple and support the modules. Thesystem 30 illustrated inFig. 18 is capable of including any type of module described herein or any other type of module having any type of functionality. Thus, the exemplary modules illustrated and described herein in connection withFig. 18 are not intended to be limiting. The mountingboard 148 may be any size and may be made of any material. In some exemplary embodiments, the mountingboard 148 may be 4 inches by 12 inches. In other exemplary embodiments, the mountingboard 148 may be made of any non-conductive material. In further exemplary embodiments, the mountingboard 148 may be broken up or otherwise separated into smaller portions to a desired size appropriate to the desired application. In such embodiments, the mountingboard 148 may either be made of a material and have a configuration that enables breaking or separation of the mountingboard 148 into smaller portions, or the mountingboard 148 may include perforations, areas of decreased thickness, or other structural characteristics that provide predetermined locations for facilitating easy breaking or separating of the mountingboard 148 into smaller portions. - As indicated above, modules are adapted to have a variety of different types of functionality and include the appropriate connectors, circuit boards, and associated electrical components coupled to the circuit boards to perform the desired functionality. The modules shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes, and are not intended to be limiting. The exemplary illustrated modules include a
wall power module 34W (power), abar graph module 34X (input), and anLED module 34Y (output). - Referring now to
Figs. 19-21 , eachmodule connectors 152 and acircuit board 156 appropriate to the desired functionality of the module. The module can include the appropriate electrical components to perform the desired functionality of the module. Eachconnector 152 includes ahousing 160 comprised of twoportions 160', 160" (seeFig. 21 ) coupled together, a pair ofmagnets 164, and a plurality ofelectrical conductors 168. The two portions of thehousing 160 may be coupled together in a variety of manners such as, for example, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, adhesion, press-fit, friction-fit, interference-fit, snap fit or other positive locking manner, etc, and may be made of a variety of different materials such as, for example, plastic (e.g., ABS plastic), or other nonconductive materials. A first portion 160' of the housing defines acavity 172 for receiving thesecond portion 160" of the housing therein. Thecavity 172 is complementarily shaped to thesecond portion 160" to ensure atop surface 176 of thesecond portion 160" is substantially flush with atop surface 180 of the first portion 160' (seeFigs. 20 and21 ) and aside surface 184 of thesecond portion 160" is flush with aside surface 188 of the first portion 160' when the twoportions 160', 160" are coupled together. - The first portion 160' of the housing also defines a pair of magnet apertures 192 (see
Fig. 21 ) in a side surface 196 thereof in which themagnets 164 are supported. In the illustrated embodiment, themagnets 164 are cylindrical in shape, thereby providing a circular cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of themagnet 164. Thus, themagnet apertures 192 defined in the first portion 160' of the housing are circular in shape. It should be understood that themagnets 164 may having any shape and themagnet apertures 192 may similarly have any shape that complements the shape of themagnets 164. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the magnets is square, then the magnet apertures in the first portion of the housing may be square. In other exemplary embodiments, the magnet apertures may have shapes that are not complementary to the shape of the magnet. In such embodiments, the magnetic aperture may be any shape that inhibits the magnet from passing through the magnetic aperture and escaping thehousing 160 of the connector. For example, the magnet may be cylindrical in shape, thereby providing a circular cross-section, and the magnet aperture may be square such that the square is sized sufficiently small to inhibit the magnet from passing through the aperture. - Additionally, the first portion 160' of the housing defines
electrical conductor apertures 200 in the side surface 196 thereof for receiving and supporting a portion of the electrical conductors 168 (described in more detail below). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theelectrical conductor apertures 200 are circular in shape complementary to the shape of a portion of theelectrical conductors 168 received therein. Similarly to themagnet apertures 192, theelectrical conductor apertures 200 may have any shape and be complementary to the shape of a portion of theelectrical conductors 168 received therein. - The first portion 160' of the housing further defines a plurality of conductor slots 204 (see
Fig. 21 ) in abottom surface 208 thereof for receiving theconductors 168 therein when thehousing 160 is assembled. Eachconductor slot 204 includes anupper end 212 having a first dimension, abottom end 216 having a second dimension smaller than the first dimension, and tapered side surfaces 220 tapering from large to small from theupper end 212 to thelower end 216. The shape of theconductor slots 204 is complementary to the shape of theelectrical conductors 168 in order to provide sufficient support to theelectrical conductors 168 when thehousing 160 is assembled. - Further, the first portion 160' of the housing includes a pair of
projections 224 extending downward from abottom surface 208 thereof for coupling theconnector 152 to thecircuit board 156 of themodule 34. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theprojections 224 are cylindrical in shape and may insert into apertures 228 (seeFig. 20 ) defined in thecircuit board 156. Subsequently to inserting theprojections 224 into thecircuit board apertures 228, theprojections 224 may be deformed to inhibit them from withdrawing from theapertures 228 in thecircuit board 156. Theprojections 224 may be deformed in a variety of different manners such as, for example, melting or heating theprojections 224, bending, smashing, or any other manner that sufficiently deforms theprojections 224 to inhibit them from withdrawing from theapertures 228 in thecircuit board 156. - The
housing 160 also defines areceptacle 232 in a side surface thereof and includes aprojection 236 extending from the side surface and positioned adjacent thereceptacle 232. Such areceptacle 232 andprojection 236 are included in eachconnector housing 160 and assist with proper alignment and coupling together ofmodules 34. Thereceptacle 232 is shaped complementary to a shape of theprojection 236 such that when aprojection 236 is received in thereceptacle 232 theprojection 236 substantially fills thereceptacle 232. When coupling twomodules 34 together, such asmodules connectors 152 are aligned with theprojection 236 on eachconnector 152 substantially aligned with thereceptacle 232 on theother connector 152, and themodules magnets 164 on the twoconnectors 152 is sufficient to pull theconnectors 152 together, thereby causing theprojections 236 to insert into thereceptacles 232. Upon connection, theprojections 236 andreceptacles 232 of theconnectors 152 cooperate to inhibit substantial lateral and vertical movement of themodules - With continued reference to
Figs. 19-21 , the first portion 160' of the housing includes a pair of mountingmembers 240 extending downward there from and adapted to engage complementarily shapedreceptacles 244 defined in the mounting board 148 (seeFig. 18 ). The mountingmembers 240 and thereceptacles 244 are configured to provide adequate support to themodules 34 when mounted on the mountingboard 148. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the mountingmembers 240 have a shape comprised of a quarter of a circle and thereceptacles 244 on the mountingboard 148 are circular in shape (see, e.g.,Fig. 19 regarding mounting members 240). When twoconnectors 152 onadjacent modules 34 are coupled together, the two mountingmembers 240 on the twoconnectors 152 form a semicircle that may friction fit into thereceptacles 244 in the mountingboard 148. Thecircuit board 156 can have various lengths and widths configured to provide appropriate spacing between themodules 34 and the mountingboard 148. For example, as shown inFig. 18 , thecircuit board 156 included inmodule 34Y has a length such that with theconnectors 152 disposed on each end of thecircuit board 156, the mountingmembers 240 on one end of thecircuit board 156 are disposed withinreceptacles 244 that are spaced four receptacles away from thereceptacles 244 in which the mountingmembers 240 on the opposite end of thecircuit board 156 are disposed. Said another way, there are threereceptacles 244 betweenconnectors 152 on the opposite ends of thecircuit board 156 ofmodule 34Y. In another example, thecircuit board 156 included inmodule 34X shown inFIG. 18 , has a length that is longer than a length of the circuit board ofmodule 34Y. Formodule 34X, theconnectors 152 disposed on each end of thecircuit board 156 are disposed inreceptacles 244 that are spaced five receptacles away from thereceptacles 244 in which the mountingmembers 240 on the opposite end of thecircuit board 156 ofmodule 34X are disposed. In this example, there are fourreceptacles 244 between theconnector 152 on the opposite ends of thecircuit board 156 ofmodule 34Y. Thus, thecircuit board 156 can be provided with various lengths, while also accommodating appropriate spacing betweenreceptacles 244 on the mountingboard 148. - In addition, when two
connectors 152 are coupled together as shown inFig. 19 , anouter edge surface 157 of thecircuit board 156 can be disposed substantially flush with anouter surface 151 of theconnectors 152. Alternatively, the outer edge surface of the circuit board can be disposed inward or outward of the outer surface of the connectors. In other words, in such alternatives, the outer edge surface is not flush with the outer surface of the connectors. - With continued reference to
Figs. 19-21 , theelectrical conductors 168 have a spring characteristic that allows for movement of theconductors 168 as a result of forces applied thereto. This spring characteristic that facilitates movement of theconductors 168 helps maintain contact withelectrical conductors 168 on anadjacent module 34 coupled to thepresent module 34 during manipulation of themodules 34. Such manipulation may result in forces applied to themodules 34 causing movement of themodules 34 relative to one another. In some embodiments, theelectrical conductors 168 on adjacent modules can have different lengths such that theelectrical conductors 168 extend from thehousing 160 at varying distances. For example, theelectrical conductors 168 shown inFigure 19 have a length that is greater than a length of theelectrical conductors 168 shown inFigure 20 . In such embodiments, aconnector 152 havingelectrical conductors 168 such as those inFigure 19 can be coupled to aconnector 152 havingelectrical conductors 168 such as those shown inFigure 20 , and the correspondingelectrical conductors 168 can exert a spring-force (or bias-force) on each other to substantially maintain the positioning of the coupled sets ofelectrical conductors 168 while the twoconnectors 152 are coupled together. In other words, as described above for previous embodiments, aconnector 152 can be a male connector or a female connector that can be matingly coupled together with the other type of connector (e.g., a female connector or a male connector, respectively). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, eachelectrical conductor 168 includes an engagement portion 248 (seeFig. 21 ) positioned within a respectiveelectrical conductor aperture 200, acoupling portion 252 extending downward and adapted to engage and electrically communicate with thecircuit board 156, and a middle portion 256 (seeFig. 21 ) extending between theengagement portion 248 and thecoupling portion 252. Theengagement portion 248 is adapted to engage anelectrical conductor 168 of anadjacent module 34 coupled to thepresent module 34. Due to theelectrical conductor 168 being made of a conductive material, the electrical current travels through theelectrical conductor 168 of thepresent module 34 to itscircuit board 156. Eachelectrical conductor 168 includes an enlarged portion 260 (seeFig. 21 ) positioned between ends of theconductor 168 that fits into arespective conductor slot 204. Theenlarged portion 260 has a complementary shape to theconductor slot 204 to provide vertical and horizontal support to theelectrical conductor 168 when thehousing 160 is assembled. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, theenlarged portion 260 includes a tapered portion 264 (seeFig. 21 ) that complements the taperedsurfaces 220 of theconductor slot 204. - Referring now to
Figs. 22 and 23 , asupport member 268 is coupled to two coupled togethermodules 34 to provide additional support to the coupledmodules 34. In some exemplary embodiments, thesupport member 268 is used instead of the mountingboard 148 to providemodules 34 with additional support. In other exemplary embodiments, thesupport member 268 may be configured to allow both thesupport member 268 and the mountingboard 148 to provide support to two coupled togethermodules 34. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thesupport member 268 includes a pair ofreceptacles 280 defined in atop surface 276 thereof for receiving mountingmembers 240 of coupled togethermodules 34. Thereceptacles 280 in thesupport members 268 are similarly sized, shaped and spaced apart as thereceptacles 244 in the mountingboard 148. Thesupport member 268 also has a height H that, when twomodules 34 are coupled to each other and to thesupport member 268, atop surface 276 of thesupport member 268 is substantially flush with and mates or engages with abottom surface 288 of thehousing 160. Also in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thesupport member 268 includes a width W1 that is substantially similar to a width W2 of two coupled togetherconnectors 152 and a length L1 that is substantially similar to a length L2 of the two coupled togethermodules 34. Alternatively, thesupport member 268 may have configurations different than the illustrated exemplary embodiment as long as thesupport member 268 provides support to coupled togethermodules 34. Whenmultiple modules 34 in asystem 30 are coupled together, asupport member 268 may be coupled to each pair of coupled togetherconnectors 152 in thesystem 30. Thus, thesystem 30 may include any number ofsupport members 268 therein and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. - The
exemplary systems 30 disclosed herein are adapted to cooperate with other types of systems to bring the functionality and features of theexemplary systems 30 to the other types of systems. Theexemplary systems 30 may cooperate with any type of other system and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. With reference toFigs. 24 and 25 , an exemplary mountingboard 148 of anexemplary system 30 of the present invention is shown cooperating with a toybuilding block system 292 such as, for example, a LEGO®building block system 292. The illustrated exemplary systems are not intended to be limiting, but, rather, are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the mountingboard 148 is configured to cooperate with the exemplary LEGO®building block system 292 and, in particular, is configured to couple to a LEGO®building block system 292. Afirst side 296 of the mounting board 148 (e.g., a top side) includes the plurality ofreceptacles 244 appropriately spaced for receivingconnectors 152 ofmodules 34. Asecond side 298 of the mounting board 148 (e.g., a bottom side) includes a plurality ofprojections 300 havingcavities 304 defined therein that are appropriately spaced from one another to facilitate coupling to the LEGO®building block system 292. As indicated above, thesystems 30 of the present invention may couple to any type of other systems and, accordingly, thesecond side 298 of the mountingboard 148 may be configured in any manner to accommodate any type of other system to which the mountingboard 148 is intended to couple. - It should be understood that the structures, features, functionality, and other characteristics of the various exemplary embodiments of the systems disclosed herein and illustrated in
Figs. 1-25 may be combined with each other in any manner and in any combination and all such manners and combinations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, an adapter(s) or foot member can be included to adjust the height of a connector such that different connector embodiments can be coupled to a common circuit board or different circuit board / connector combinations can be coupled together. For example, an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of theconnector 38A (seeFIG. 5 ) to increase a length or height of theconnector 38A such that theconnector 38A can be coupled to acircuit board 156 along with aconnector 152. In another example, an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of theconnector 38M (seeFIG. 12 ) to increase a length or height of theconnector 38M relative to a circuit board such that theconnector 38M can be coupled to adifferent circuit board 156 having aconnector 152. Such adapters can be, for example, adhesively coupled to a bottom portion of theconnector 38A orconnector 38M. In some embodiments, the adapter can include a mounting member or portion similar to the mountingmembers 240 described above, such that the adapter can engage complementarily shaped receptacles (e.g.,receptacles 244 described above) defined in a mounting board (e.g., mountingboard 148 shown inFig. 18 ). - Although embodiments of
modules 34 are shown and described as having a connector (e.g.,connectors 38 and 152) coupled to one end or two opposite ends or edges of a circuit board (e.g.,circuit boards 46 and 156), in other embodiments, amodule 34 can include connectors coupled to more than two ends or edges of a circuit board. For example,Figs. 26A-26D are each a schematic illustration of a top view of a module including a circuit board and one or more connectors. The modules ofFigs. 26A-26D can include various different embodiments of a connector and/or circuit board as described herein. -
Fig. 26A illustrates amodule 334A including acircuit board 356A, and oneconnector 352A coupled to a single edge or end portion of thecircuit board 356A.Fig. 26B illustrates amodule 334B including acircuit board 356B, and twoconnectors 352B coupled to a single edge or end portion of thecircuit board 356B.Fig. 26C illustrates amodule 334C including a circuit board 356C, and threeconnectors 352C coupled to three different edges or end portions of the circuit board 356C.Fig. 26D illustrates amodule 334D including acircuit board 356D, and fourconnectors 352D coupled to four different edges or end portions of thecircuit board 356D. -
Figs. 27A and 27B are schematic illustrations of embodiments of a module showing side edges of a circuit board in relation to a side edge or surface of a connector.Fig. 27A illustrates amodule 434A having acircuit board 456A and twoconnectors 452A coupled to thecircuit board 456A. In this embodiment, when theconnectors 452A are coupled to thecircuit board 456A, side edges 457A of thecircuit board 456A are disposed inward of side edges or surfaces 451A of theconnectors 452A. Although not shown, in other embodiments, the side edges of a circuit board can be disposed outward of side edges or surfaces of the connectors.Fig. 27B illustrates amodule 434B having acircuit board 456B and twoconnectors 452B coupled to thecircuit board 456B. In this embodiment, when theconnectors 452B are coupled to thecircuit board 456B, side edges 457B of thecircuit board 456B are disposed substantially flush with side edges or surfaces 451B of theconnectors 452B. - As described above in the many examples of modules and systems, numerous modules may be coupled together to achieve various functionalities of the systems. Modules may be coupled in a cascading manner in which the inclusion of one module in the system may affect the functionality of downstream modules in a first manner and inclusion of a different module in the system may affect the function of downstream modules in another manner different than the first manner. That is, modules coupled together in a system may have dependencies upon one another to affect functionality thereof and of the entire system. A simple example to demonstrate this concept, but is not intended to be limiting, comprises a system include three modules: A power module, a button module, and an LED module. The button module and the LED module are dependent on the power module, and the LED module is dependent on the button module. To demonstrate the dependency of the button module and the LED module on the power module considering the following: If the power module is not providing any power, then neither the button module nor the LED module can operate in their intended manner. Similarly, to demonstrate the dependency of the LED module on the button module, if the button is not depressed or otherwise activated to close the circuit, the LED module will not be illuminated, and if the button is depressed, the LED module will be illuminated. In other words, cascading modules in a system affect operation and functionality of downstream modules.
- The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions were selected to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention.
Claims (15)
- An apparatus, comprising:a first circuit board having a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface, the first side surface and the second side surface each being different than both the first end surface and the second end surface, the first circuit board defining a width between the first side surface and the second side surface, the first circuit board defining a length between the first end surface and the second end surface;a first connector fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that an exterior surface of the first connector is aligned with one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the first circuit board; anda second connector fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that an exterior surface of the second connector is aligned with one of the first end surface and the second end surface of the first circuit board,the first connector including at least one first conductor configured to engage a second conductor on a third connector coupled to a second circuit board, the second connector including at least one third conductor configured to engage a fourth conductor on a fourth connector coupled to a third circuit board.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within a first opening from a plurality of openings defined in a mounting board being different than the first and second circuit board and a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening from the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board, the second connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within a third opening from the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board and a second mounting portion configured to be received within a fourth opening from the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board.
- The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a mounting board having a first side defining a plurality of openings and a second side including a plurality of projections,the first connector and the second connector each configured to be removably coupled to the first side of the mounting board,the second side of the mounting board configured to be removably coupled to at least one block from a LEGO building block system.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector has a first height and includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion each configured to be received within a different opening defined in a mounting board being different than the first and second circuit board, the apparatus further comprising:a first adapter configured to be coupled to a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; anda second configured to be coupled to a bottom surface of the second mounting portion,the first connector having a second height when the first adapter and the second adapter are coupled to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of the first connector, the second height being greater than the first height.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second connector includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, the apparatus further comprising:the second circuit board,the third connector mounted to the second circuit board such that an exterior surface of the third connector is aligned with an end surface of the second circuit board, the third connector of the second circuit board including a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion,the first mounting portion of the second connector configured to be received within a first opening from a plurality of openings defined in a mounting board being different than the first and second circuit board and the second mounting portion of the second connector configured to be received within a second opening from the plurality of openings to removably couple the first circuit board to the mounting board,the first mounting portion of the third connector mounted to the second circuit board configured to be received within the first opening and the second mounting portion of the third connector mounted to the second circuit board configured to be received within the second opening, to removably couple the second circuit board to the mounting board.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conductor of the first connector has an engagement portion configured to engage the second conductor on the third connector of the second circuit board, and has a coupling portion monolithically formed with the engagement portion.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first circuit board has a top surface and a bottom surface, each of the top surface and the bottom surface being different than both the first side surface and the second side surface and both the first end surface and the second end surface.
- The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that an exterior side surface of the first connector is aligned with and not abutting the one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the first circuit board; and
the second connector is fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that an exterior end surface of the second connector is aligned with and not abutting the one of the first end surface and the second end surface of the first circuit board,
the at least one first conductor extending from an exterior end surface of the first connector, the exterior end surface of the first connector being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the exterior side surface of the first connector. - The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that at least a portion of the first connector is disposed on one of a top surface of the first circuit board and a bottom surface of the first circuit board,
an exterior side surface of the first connector is aligned with and not abutting the one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the first circuit board; and
the second connector is fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such at least a portion of the first connector is disposed on one of the top surface of the first circuit board and the bottom surface of the first circuit board,
the at least one first conductor extending from an exterior end surface of the first connector, the exterior end surface of the first connector being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the exterior side surface of the first connector. - An apparatus, comprising:a first circuit board having a length, a first exterior side surface along the length and a second exterior side surface along the length on an opposite side of the first circuit board;a first connector including an exterior side surface and an exterior end surface different than the exterior side surface of the first connector, the first connector fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that one of the first exterior side surface and the second exterior side surface of the first circuit board is aligned in a same plane with the exterior side surface of the first connector, the first connector having a first conductor, a portion of the first conductor extending from the exterior end surface of the first connector;a second circuit board having a length, a first exterior side surface along the length and a second exterior side surface along the length on an opposite side of the second circuit board; anda second connector having an exterior side surface and an exterior end surface different than the exterior side surface of the second connector, the second connector fixedly mounted to the second circuit board such that one of the first exterior side surface and the second exterior side surface of the second circuit board is aligned in a same plane with the exterior side surface of the second connector, the second connector having a second conductor, a portion of the second conductor extending from the exterior end surface of the second connector and configured to engage the first conductor on the first connector.
- The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the exterior end surface of the first connector and the exterior end surface of the second connector each include a first elongate portion extending in a vertical direction and a second elongate portion extending in a horizontal direction, the first elongate portion of the first connector configured to contact the first elongate portion of the second connector, the second elongate portion of the first connector configured to contact the second elongate portion of the second connector when the first connector is coupled to the second connector.
- The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within a first opening from a plurality of openings defined in a mounting board being different than the first and second circuit board and a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening from the plurality of openings defined in the mounting board to removably couple the first circuit board to the mounting board, the second connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within the first opening in the mounting board and a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening in the mounting board to removably couple the second circuit board to the mounting board.
- The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector has a first height and includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion each configured to be received within a different opening defined in a mounting board being different than the first and second circuit board, the apparatus further comprising:a first adapter configured to be coupled to a bottom surface of the first mounting portion; anda second adapter configured to be coupled-to a bottom surface of the second mounting portion,the first connector having a second height when the first adapter and the second adapter are coupled to the first connector, the second height being greater than the first height.
- The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:the first connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within a first opening defined in a support member and a second mounting portion configured to be received within a second opening defined in the support member, the second connector includes a first mounting portion configured to be received within the first opening of the support member and a second mounting portion configured to be received within the second opening of the support member, the support member configured to maintain the first connector coupled to the second connector.
- The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector is fixedly mounted to the first circuit board such that the one of the first exterior side surface and the second exterior side surface of the first circuit board is aligned in a same plane with and not abutting the exterior side surface of the first connector,
the second connector fixedly mounted to the second circuit board such that the one of the first exterior side surface and the second exterior side surface of the second circuit board is aligned in a same plane with and not abutting the exterior side surface of the second connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/593,891 US9019718B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2012-08-24 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
US201261728103P | 2012-11-19 | 2012-11-19 | |
PCT/US2013/056599 WO2014032043A1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
EP13831481.0A EP2888019B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13831481.0A Division EP2888019B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
EP13831481.0A Division-Into EP2888019B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3470127A1 true EP3470127A1 (en) | 2019-04-17 |
EP3470127B1 EP3470127B1 (en) | 2020-10-14 |
Family
ID=50150430
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18184425.9A Active EP3470127B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
EP13831481.0A Active EP2888019B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13831481.0A Active EP2888019B1 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-08-26 | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
Country Status (13)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3470127B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2015526208A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20150086231A (en) |
CN (5) | CN106215433B (en) |
AU (3) | AU347408S (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015003911A8 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2883216A1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1200136A1 (en) |
MX (2) | MX2015002306A (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ704976A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2686521C2 (en) |
SG (1) | SG11201501308PA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014032043A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8742814B2 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2014-06-03 | Yehuda Binder | Sequentially operated modules |
US8602833B2 (en) | 2009-08-06 | 2013-12-10 | May Patents Ltd. | Puzzle with conductive path |
US9597607B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2017-03-21 | Littlebits Electronics Inc. | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
US11330714B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2022-05-10 | Sphero, Inc. | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
US9019718B2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2015-04-28 | Littlebits Electronics Inc. | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same |
USD732475S1 (en) | 2012-11-19 | 2015-06-23 | Littlebits Electronics Inc. | Connector for modular electronic building system |
CN203944133U (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2014-11-19 | 魏正鹏 | A kind of improved magnetic-type electronic modular system |
CN104619117A (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2015-05-13 | 王镇山 | Magnetic combined structure between circuit boards |
CN104771915B (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2017-05-10 | 杭州速泽电子科技有限公司 | Magnetic interconnected intelligent circuit modularization system |
EP3509717A4 (en) * | 2015-06-25 | 2020-09-16 | Patently Good PTY Ltd | Modular electronics system |
CN105207018B (en) * | 2015-09-24 | 2018-06-22 | 北京和太升电子技术有限公司 | A kind of electronics builds module and its manufacturing method |
US9907195B2 (en) | 2015-09-28 | 2018-02-27 | Shahram MONTAZERI | Apparatus having connection module for use with electrical module |
KR20170104306A (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-15 | 주식회사 럭스로보 | Module system, module based robot system, and update method for module system |
CN107171126B (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2019-03-22 | 乐思罗博株式会社 | Modular assembly and connector and electronic device |
US10102768B2 (en) * | 2016-03-19 | 2018-10-16 | Fujitsu Limited | Behavior variability and complexity modeling using a construction toy |
CN106039724A (en) * | 2016-06-06 | 2016-10-26 | 合肥市融宇电子有限公司 | Intelligent children toy assembled modular robot |
CN106409086A (en) * | 2016-10-23 | 2017-02-15 | 咔嗒爸爸(天津)教育科技有限公司 | Intelligent electronic building block simulating energy-saving lamp system |
CN106327976A (en) * | 2016-10-23 | 2017-01-11 | 咔嗒爸爸(天津)教育科技有限公司 | Intelligent electronic building block based on self-adapt mechanism |
CN106310677A (en) * | 2016-11-10 | 2017-01-11 | 昆山荃华图文设计有限公司 | Rapid plastic sheet assembly |
CN106422342B (en) * | 2016-11-25 | 2022-04-29 | 广东哈一代玩具股份有限公司 | Piano rhythm teddy bear and method for using same |
CN106621403A (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2017-05-10 | 常州思泰姆教育科技有限公司 | Multifunctional electronic building block module |
CN106512441A (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2017-03-22 | 广州艾考企业信息咨询有限公司 | Intelligent circuit control system achieving magnetic interconnection |
DE102017205373B3 (en) * | 2017-03-29 | 2018-10-04 | Johnson Matthey Piezo Products Gmbh | Braille line as well as module for a braille line |
US20210213369A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2021-07-15 | Zeon Corporation | Connection unit |
CN108879148A (en) * | 2018-06-27 | 2018-11-23 | 深圳矽递科技股份有限公司 | A kind of intelligent modularized programmable electronic builds system |
CN108682222A (en) * | 2018-07-06 | 2018-10-19 | 北京瀚科瑞杰科技发展有限公司 | Can folding and unfolding/expansion it is adaptive with a group formula flight Simulation System general-purpose platform base cabinet |
CN109118880B (en) * | 2018-08-24 | 2021-07-02 | 杭州高低科技有限公司 | Robot learning and cooperation system based on Bluetooth mesh |
CN108898929A (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2018-11-27 | 江苏立教信息科技有限公司 | A kind of educational suite of the compatible more structural members of multimode connection |
DE102018132867A1 (en) * | 2018-12-19 | 2020-06-25 | Wabco Gmbh | Connector device for a vehicle for transmitting data between coupled vehicles and system and vehicle with it |
KR102275416B1 (en) * | 2018-12-19 | 2021-07-08 | 김경연 | Prefabricated electronic circuit block module for Coding education of Experimenting and Exercising |
CN113348025B (en) * | 2019-01-31 | 2022-09-27 | 乐高公司 | Method for controlling interactive toy construction model |
RU2710688C1 (en) * | 2019-04-24 | 2020-01-09 | Джамиля Викторовна Чайкина | Child constructor, electroconductive composition and method of its manufacturing (versions), method for formation of electroconductive tracks and hand tool (versions) |
DE102019211043A1 (en) * | 2019-07-25 | 2021-01-28 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Charging contact connection for a charger, mating contact connection, charging contact system and electrical device |
WO2021046770A1 (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2021-03-18 | 西门子股份公司 | Circuit board connection structure |
CN113342128A (en) * | 2020-03-02 | 2021-09-03 | 神讯电脑(昆山)有限公司 | Mobile electronic device |
CN111308938A (en) * | 2020-03-04 | 2020-06-19 | 九芯智能科技(南通)有限公司 | Programming device for learning programming and use method thereof |
CN111988948B (en) * | 2020-08-10 | 2021-10-26 | 泰州市博泰电子有限公司 | Combined mobile communication circuit board |
CN112076486B (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2022-06-10 | 廖嘉颖 | Prefabricated connecting building block external member of electronic module and manufacturing method thereof |
CN117677750A (en) * | 2021-04-23 | 2024-03-08 | 当前设计有限公司 | Modular interconnectable housing structure and build structure formed therefrom |
CN113318460B (en) * | 2021-06-11 | 2022-07-12 | 东莞职业技术学院 | Magnetic splicing electronic building block and using method thereof |
CN113658495A (en) * | 2021-08-27 | 2021-11-16 | 王睿 | Circuit game machine |
CN113451803B (en) * | 2021-08-30 | 2022-01-25 | 广东电网有限责任公司东莞供电局 | Split type conductive connecting device |
CN114534271A (en) * | 2022-02-24 | 2022-05-27 | 上海宸发科技有限公司 | Module cabin and module assembly |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5445552A (en) * | 1992-12-24 | 1995-08-29 | John Hine Limited | Electrically and/or mechanically interconnectable miniature base |
US20110143629A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Arthur Seymour | Three-dimensional structures with electronic circuit paths and safety circuits |
US20110256740A1 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2011-10-20 | Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited | Connector that enables connection between circuit boards with excellent space efficiency |
US20120182739A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Tean Sue-Anne Leung | Mosaic led tile |
Family Cites Families (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1703980A1 (en) * | 1968-08-08 | 1972-03-09 | Polly Kunststoffprodukte Walte | Kit with plug-in modules of different sizes |
JPS4828085U (en) * | 1971-08-10 | 1973-04-05 | ||
JPS6260065U (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1987-04-14 | ||
JPH0419739Y2 (en) * | 1986-02-10 | 1992-05-06 | ||
JPH02216777A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1990-08-29 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Circuit board |
TW377894U (en) * | 1998-06-02 | 1999-12-21 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Connector of electronic card |
US20020016126A1 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2002-02-07 | Peter Cyrus | Diagonal toy pieces and their connection |
US6443796B1 (en) * | 2000-06-19 | 2002-09-03 | Judith Ann Shackelford | Smart blocks |
US6682230B1 (en) * | 2000-08-09 | 2004-01-27 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Optical connector and printed circuit board assembly with movable connection |
US6682392B2 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2004-01-27 | Thinking Technology, Inc. | Physically interactive electronic toys |
JPWO2003032698A1 (en) * | 2001-10-05 | 2005-01-27 | 富士通株式会社 | Divided and connectable printed boards |
DE10242645A1 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2004-03-25 | Magcode Ag | Method of creating electrical connection to modules e.g. in motor vehicle, by using magnetic bodies in current providing unit and current receiving unit to form contact automatically |
CN2615787Y (en) * | 2003-04-02 | 2004-05-12 | 李锦坚 | Connecting device for assembling & disassembling electronic blocks |
US7517269B2 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2009-04-14 | Parvia Corp. | Building element for constructing a modular substructure |
DK200401612A (en) * | 2004-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | Lego As | Toy building system with functional blocks |
US20070184722A1 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-09 | Dynatech Action, Inc. | Powered modular building block toy |
US7455528B2 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-11-25 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Devices and/or systems for coupling a PLC bus |
US7666054B2 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2010-02-23 | K'nex Limited Partnership Group | Offset matrix adapter for toy construction sets |
US7967610B2 (en) * | 2008-01-13 | 2011-06-28 | Apple Inc. | Connector assembly |
JP5080292B2 (en) * | 2008-01-15 | 2012-11-21 | 株式会社ステラアーツ | Light emitting block and display device |
WO2010023070A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-04 | Lego A/S | A toy building system with function bricks |
US8690631B2 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2014-04-08 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Toy building block with embedded integrated circuit |
CN101843980B (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2012-06-20 | 智高实业股份有限公司 | Generating building block |
JP2011014365A (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-20 | Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd | Connector for connecting horizontal substrates |
US9472112B2 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2016-10-18 | Modular Robotics Incorporated | Educational construction modular unit |
US8342884B2 (en) * | 2009-07-27 | 2013-01-01 | Avx Corporation | Dual card edge connector with top-loading male and female components |
JP2011054341A (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-17 | Smk Corp | Connector for connecting substrates |
US20110059652A1 (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2011-03-10 | Amphenol Corporation | Multi-pathway connector for circuit boards |
WO2011112553A2 (en) * | 2010-03-08 | 2011-09-15 | Jason Barber | Lighted toy brick |
JP2012059360A (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2012-03-22 | Iriso Electronics Co Ltd | Connector |
KR20110129651A (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2011-12-02 | 송기혁 | Wall structure of house |
CN102371073A (en) * | 2010-08-10 | 2012-03-14 | 无锡爱睿芯电子有限公司 | Electronic modular system |
EP2608858B1 (en) * | 2010-08-18 | 2016-10-26 | Jonathan Capriola | Illuminated toy building system and methods |
TWI415332B (en) * | 2010-12-31 | 2013-11-11 | Lextar Electronics Corp | Circuit module and electric connector |
TW201226032A (en) * | 2010-12-31 | 2012-07-01 | Jia-Yan Lin | Illuminating building block with electricity connection structure and power supply socket |
CN102366677A (en) * | 2011-10-10 | 2012-03-07 | 东莞和佳塑胶制品有限公司 | Luminous modular block with electrical connection structures and electrical connection structure of luminous modular block |
JP3173981U (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2012-03-01 | 林 嘉彦 | Electrical connection structure of luminous blocks |
CN102527060B (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-10-23 | 东莞和佳塑胶制品有限公司 | Water-proof insulating decorating luminous building block |
-
2013
- 2013-02-22 AU AU201310848F patent/AU347408S/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 MX MX2015002306A patent/MX2015002306A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-08-26 CN CN201610740452.2A patent/CN106215433B/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 NZ NZ704976A patent/NZ704976A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-08-26 CA CA2883216A patent/CA2883216A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-08-26 CN CN201910759040.7A patent/CN110465103B/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 CN CN201610730917.6A patent/CN106215432B/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 RU RU2015110259A patent/RU2686521C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-08-26 CN CN201610738594.5A patent/CN106267846B/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 CN CN201380004224.3A patent/CN103974753B/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 AU AU2013305556A patent/AU2013305556B2/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 EP EP18184425.9A patent/EP3470127B1/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 KR KR1020157007424A patent/KR20150086231A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2013-08-26 JP JP2015528712A patent/JP2015526208A/en active Pending
- 2013-08-26 EP EP13831481.0A patent/EP2888019B1/en active Active
- 2013-08-26 BR BR112015003911A patent/BR112015003911A8/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2013-08-26 SG SG11201501308PA patent/SG11201501308PA/en unknown
- 2013-08-26 WO PCT/US2013/056599 patent/WO2014032043A1/en active Application Filing
-
2015
- 2015-01-20 HK HK15100629.2A patent/HK1200136A1/en unknown
- 2015-02-20 MX MX2020012141A patent/MX2020012141A/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-06-02 AU AU2018203907A patent/AU2018203907B2/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-08-01 JP JP2019141870A patent/JP2019181269A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5445552A (en) * | 1992-12-24 | 1995-08-29 | John Hine Limited | Electrically and/or mechanically interconnectable miniature base |
US20110143629A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Arthur Seymour | Three-dimensional structures with electronic circuit paths and safety circuits |
US20110256740A1 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2011-10-20 | Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited | Connector that enables connection between circuit boards with excellent space efficiency |
US20120182739A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Tean Sue-Anne Leung | Mosaic led tile |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
AYAH BDEIR: "Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Tangible and Embedded Interaction (TEI '09", 2009, ACM, article "Electronics as material: littleBits", pages: 397 - 400 |
AYAH BDEIR; TED ULLRICH: "Proceedings of the fifth international conference on Tangible, embedded, and embodied interaction (TEI '11", 2010, ACM, article "Electronics as material: littleBits", pages: 341 - 344 |
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2018203907B2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same | |
US10256568B2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same | |
US10244630B2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same | |
US11330714B2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of using the same | |
US8753164B2 (en) | Toy construction system | |
US20190190193A1 (en) | Modular electronic building systems and methods of using the same | |
US11791589B2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems and methods of using the same | |
JP3119039U (en) | 3D jigsaw puzzle type electronic circuit learning material device | |
RU2792655C2 (en) | Modular electronic building systems with magnetic interconnections and methods of their application | |
KR101890394B1 (en) | Smart educational tool kit using paper folding, electric module kit for the same, and method of making article using the same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AC | Divisional application: reference to earlier application |
Ref document number: 2888019 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: P |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: BDEIR, AYA |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20191017 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20191118 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200508 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AC | Divisional application: reference to earlier application |
Ref document number: 2888019 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: P |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1323022 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201015 Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602013073378 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1323022 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201014 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20201014 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210115 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210114 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210215 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210214 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210114 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602013073378 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210715 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602013073378 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20210831 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20210826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210214 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210826 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210826 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220301 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20130826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201014 |