WO2022008299A1

WO2022008299A1 - Plate-shaped modular construction element

Info

Publication number: WO2022008299A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/067870
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Julian Rivera FRANCO; Johan Dybvad LARSEN; Martin PASFALL; Jan BAAGØE; Lasse Øbro JØRGENSEN; Martin STARBÆK; Margaret Kate GOODWIN; Pelle Normann BRIX; Jesper Elling
Original assignee: Lego A/S
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2021-06-29
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: CN215895773U; DE202020103983U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate-shaped modular construction element for a modular construction system, the plate-shaped modular construction element comprising a frame supporting a mounting plate, wherein the frame comprises modular coupling elements of the modular construction system, and wherein the mounting plate comprises a multitude of openings distributed over the mounting plate, wherein the multitude of openings comprises, preferably different, elongated openings. The plateshaped modular construction element is for an educational modular construction system, and thus provides a particularly easy and intuitive, yet reliable educational construction system for integrating external components, in particular computer and electronic boards, with physical materials, such as in educational builds.

Description

Plate-shaped modular construction element

The invention relates in one aspect to a plate-shaped modular construction element of a modular construction system. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a mod ular construction system including such a plate-shaped modular-construction ele ment.

Learning systems, robotics construction sets, and so-called maker kits are known, which can provide a user with a variety of functionalities, which, however, represent limited construction sets for a limited number of given projects, or which are very complicated and therefore only accessible to advanced users, and in the long run in teresting as well as insightful.

These issues are partially solved by modular construction systems with enhanced functionality, namely by a combination of simple modular construction elements as they are known from traditional modular construction systems, such as beams, plates, bricks, pegs, connectors, cog-wheels, etc., with functional modular construc tion elements, such as lighting elements, motors/actuators, sensors, but also pro grammable processor units, which may also be digitally connectable with external devices, e.g. for programming or remote control. Such modular construction sys tems with enhanced functionality have proven their value in a play context, not the least because they facilitate reliable, yet easily detachable mechanical connections between simple and functional modular construction elements, and because the functional modular construction elements are adapted to each other to provide a positive and stimulating user experience.

However, in some cases it may also be desirable in a play or educational context to use the functionality of external components, such as from a maker-kit, in combina tion with modular construction elements. Therefore, there is a need for combining external components with modular construction elements in a simple manner.

The need for combining external components with modular construction elements may also arise in a pertinent learning and teaching context. For example, a teaching institution may own different systems and components, and it may therefore be de sirable to use all available means as flexibly as possible, in order to get a certain teaching goal across. It may also be desirable, to develop simple circuits on own printed circuit boards, and to combine these with existing learning systems.

An object of the invention is therefore to facilitate a combination of modular con struction elements of a modular construction system with external components in a simple manner.

In one aspect, the object is solved according to embodiments of a plate-shaped modular construction element according to independent claim 1, wherein advanta geous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and in the description below. The plate-shaped modular construction element is for a modular construction system comprising modular construction elements adapted to be detachably con nected to each other through modular coupling elements. Accordingly, a further as pect, the object of the invention is solved by embodiments of a modular construction system as disclosed herein, comprising besides other modular construction ele ments also such a plate-shaped modular construction element. Such a modular con struction system may be particularly useful in an educational context. Accordingly, in a particular aspect, the object of the invention is solved by a modular construction system, wherein the modular construction system is a modular educational system comprising modular construction elements, the modular construction elements com prising a plate-shaped modular construction element as disclosed herein.

It should be noted that the term modular construction element and modular con struction system does not limit the use of the disclosed and claimed plate-shaped modular construction element to application in a play context. As further disclosed herein, the plate-shaped modular construction element is particularly useful in an educational context, where the integration of computer and electronic boards with physical builds are important. A plate-shaped modular construction element according to one embodiment has a frame carrying a mounting plate, wherein the frame comprises modular coupling ele ments of a modular construction system, and wherein the mounting plate comprises a multitude of openings that are distributed over the mounting plate.

According to advantageous embodiments, such a plate-shaped modular construc tion element for use in a modular construction system with construction elements, which can be detachably coupled to each other by means of modular coupling ele ments, comprises a frame, the frame defining a plate plane and comprising modular coupling elements that are compatible with the modular construction system.

According to embodiments of the invention the plate-shaped modular construction element has furthermore a mounting plate supported by the frame in a plane parallel to the plate plane, wherein the mounting plate comprises a multitude of openings, which are distributed over the mounting plate, wherein the multitude of openings in cludes elongated openings.

By configuring the plate-shaped modular construction element in this way, additional options for playing, learning, and constructing are achieved, as it thereby becomes possible to integrate into the modular construction system a diversity of external components as if they were modular construction elements of the modular construc tion system, by simply mounting the components onto the mounting plate of the plate-shaped modular construction element according to embodiments of the inven tion. Thereby, the external component can without difficulty and precisely be cou pled together with other modular construction elements of the modular construction system, and can thus be integrated in models constructed from the modular con struction elements.

The term “external” is here to be understood as external with respect to the modular construction system, e.g. typically printed circuit board assemblies and similar func tional components, which are normally not elements of the modular construction system, and which accordingly also do not comprise coupling elements that are compatible with the modular construction system. The plate-shaped modular construction element according to embodiments of the invention is particularly well-suited for mounting - and thus integration into the mod ular construction system - of various so-called single-board computers, microcon troller boards with digital I/O, and the like. The invention also facilitates easy mount ing and modular integration into the modular construction system of complete or par tial printed board assemblies, such as extension boards, or completely homemade boards, which all may have different dimensions and, if applicable, different mount ing arrangements.

Embodiments of the invention thus provide a particularly easy and intuitive, yet relia ble educational solution that allows for combining computer and electronic boards with physical materials, such as in educational builds.

The term “elongated opening” here refers to an opening having a first, minimum di mension in a first direction (transverse direction of the opening), which is smaller than a second, maximum dimension in a second direction (longitudinal direction of the opening) different from the first direction. Typically, the first dimension matches the fastening elements to be used, e.g. the minimum dimension is dimensioned to correspond to the fitting screws. Such an elongated opening confines a fastening el ement to continuous displacement in the longitudinal direction of the hole.

The required diversity for receiving external components is achieved by providing a multitude of openings in the mounting plate, which are not only adapted to a specific type of external components. Instead the arrangement of a multitude of openings in the mounting plate allows for mounting an arbitrary diversity of external components, or at least as large a diversity of different types of external components as possible, so to speak in a universal manner.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a mounting plate has at least a first group of openings and a second group of openings, wherein the openings of the first group are different from the openings of the second group. Each group may com prise at least one, preferably at least two, or more identically shaped openings. Pref erably, the multitude of openings in the mounting plate thus comprises different openings, in particular different elongated openings. Different elongated openings may differ in orientation and/or in the dimensions. For example, elongated openings having the same dimensions may be arranged in different orientations on the mount ing plate. The angle between longitudinal directions of two different elongated open ings may vary stepwise, such as in steps of 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees. According to an advantageous embodiment differently ori ented elongated openings are arranged at a right angle with respect to each other. Different elongated openings, e.g. having the same width, may also differ in length. This may advantageously be combined with different orientations of the elongated openings, thereby providing almost universal mounting possibilities.

Modular coupling elements are compatible with coupling elements of a modular con struction system and can thus be used for the coupling to modular construction ele ments of the modular construction system. A modular construction element having modular coupling elements is therefore also part of the modular construction sys tem, or at least compatible therewith. Typically the modular coupling elements are arranged such that they allow coupling according to a modular grid of the modular construction system.

Directions parallel to the plate plane of the plate-shaped modular construction ele ment are in the following also referred to as horizontal. Directions pointing out of the plate plane, in particular perpendicular to the plate plane, are in the following also referred to as vertical.

Preferably, the multitude of openings further comprises circular openings. A circular opening can be described by a single transverse dimension. In a broader sense, such a “circular” opening may also be defined by a polygon. Typically, such a Poly gon is a regular polygon. However, also differently shaped circumferential edges of these openings may be conceived, which uniquely define the position of an inner cir cle with a diameter corresponding to the minimum dimension by at least three tan gential points.

Advantageously, the diameter of the circular opening corresponds to a minimum di mension of the openings in the mounting plate. Further advantageously, the mini mum dimension corresponds to the diameter of the fastening elements for mounting the external components onto the mounting plate. Such an opening prevents dis placement of a fastening element passing through the opening and having a diame ter corresponding to the minimum dimension in a transverse direction, if the opening is elongated, and in all directions, if the opening is circular as defined herein. Advan tageously, a minimum dimension of the circular openings is equal to the minimum dimension of the elongated openings. Further advantageously, all openings in the mounting plate for the mounting of external components have the same minimum di mension.

Further advantageously, the elongated openings comprise first elongated openings oriented in a first direction, and second elongated openings oriented in a second di rection orthogonal to the first direction. According to an advantageous embodiment, the first elongated openings are oriented along a longitudinal direction of the frame, and the second openings are oriented in a transverse direction of the frame. Prefer ably, the longitudinal (lengthwise) direction of the frame is parallel to a long side of a preferably rectangular frame, and the transverse (crosswise) direction of the frame is parallel to a short side of the preferably rectangular frame. Further advanta geously, circular openings that are arranged on lengthwise and crosswise running lines on the mounting plate alternate with elongated openings also arranged along the respective lines.

Further advantageously, the mounting plate is on a front side of the plate-shaped modular construction element aligned flush with the frame. Further advantageously, the mounting plate is on a back side of the plate-shaped modular construction ele ment in a vertical direction recessed with respect to the frame.

Further advantageously, the frame circumferentially encloses the mounting plate at its edge. The frame is formed by frame elements, enclosing the mounting plate at its periphery. The frame is thus preferably closed. Further advantageously, the plate shaped modular construction element has a rectangular contour. Advantageously, the frame comprises two parallel longitudinal beams, which are connected to each other via two parallel transverse beams running perpendicular with respect to the di rection of the longitudinal beams. A closed frame that is formed by beam-like frame elements provides a particularly good stiffness and at the same time allows for an easy integration of the plate-shaped modular construction element in a model con structed from elements of the modular construction system.

Further advantageously, the modular coupling elements are arranged on the frame in a periodic manner according to a modular grid of the modular construction sys tem. Further advantageously the frame has modular coupling elements, which are configured for connections according to the modular construction system in a verti cal direction. Further advantageously, the frame has modular coupling elements, which are configured for connections according to the modular construction system in a horizontal direction. Preferably, these modular coupling elements are formed as a female receptacle for plugging connections, such as by means of pegs, rods or similar elements, which engage or pass through the female receptacles. The mount ing plate is preferably configured such that the penetration depth of the plugging connection in a horizontal direction is limited thereby to the thickness/width of the frame elements.

In a further aspect of the invention a modular construction system with a multitude of modular construction elements is provided, each modular construction element com prising modular coupling elements, whereby the modular construction elements can be detachably connected with each other according to a modular grid of the modular construction system to form a modular construction model. According to the inven tion, the multitude of modular construction elements comprises at least one plate shaped modular construction element according to any one of the embodiments dis closed herein, thereby achieving the corresponding advantages in the modular con struction system. Embodiments of the modular construction system according to the invention thus provide a particularly easy and intuitive, yet reliable educational con struction system that allows for combining external components, in particular com puter and electronic boards, with physical materials, such as in educational builds.

The invention and further advantages of the invention are described in more detail in the following with reference to the drawings, wherein the drawings show in:

Fig. 1 a perspective view of a plate-shaped modular construction element ac cording to one embodiment, Fig. 2 a front view of the plate-shaped modular construction element accord ing to Fig.1 ; and Fig. 3 a cross-sectional side view along line IP-IP of the plate-shaped modu lar construction element according to Fig.1 and Fig.2.

Referring to Fig.1 - Fig.3 in the drawings, a plate-shaped modular construction ele ment 100 according to one embodiment comprises a closed frame 110 formed by beam-like frame elements 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d and defines an orientation of a plate plane. The frame 110 has a rectangular contour. The frame 110 comprises two parallel longitudinal beams 110b, 110d, which are connected to each other via two parallel transverse beams 110a, 110c running perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal beams 110b, 110d. Thereby, the closed frame 110 formed by beam-like frame elements 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d enhances the stiffness of the plate-shaped modular construction element 100. The plate-shaped modular construction element 100 is for use in a modular construction system. The plate-shaped modular con struction element 100 thus facilitates a modular construction system, which provides a particularly easy and intuitive, yet reliable educational construction system inte- grating external components, in particular computer and electronic boards, with physical materials, such as in educational builds.

The frame elements 110a-d, and thus the frame 110, have modular coupling ele ments 111, 112, 113, which are arranged according to a modular grid of a compati- ble modular construction element. A suitable modular grid comprises, for example, a periodic arrangement of modular coupling elements 111, 112, 113 for plugging con nections that can be playfully and easily established and detached again by chil dren. Suitable modular construction systems are e.g. known from European Patent EP 1246677 B1, from products in the LEGO TECHNIC series, or also from learning kits in the LEGO Education series. By way of example, the coupling elements 111, 112, 113 shown in Fig.1 - Fig.3 are formed as through-going receptacles and allow plugging connections using latching pegs, or rods and clamping bushings engaging or passing through these receptacles. Further advantageously, the modular coupling elements are configured for construc tions in an orthogonal lattice in three dimensions. Advantageously, the modular cou pling elements of the modular construction system are arranged on the frame in such a manner that first coupling elements 111, 113 are configured for plugging con nections according to the modular construction system in at least one horizontal di rection parallel to the plate plane, and that second coupling elements 112 are con figured for connections according to the modular construction system in a vertical di rection orthogonal to the plate plane. Further advantageously, the coupling elements are configured for plugging connections in at least two different horizontal directions, in particular in two orthogonal horizontal directions. For example, modular coupling elements 111 allow for horizontal plugging connections with the longitudinal beams of the frame 110, i.e. the frame elements 110b, 110d. Correspondingly, modular coupling elements 113 allow for horizontal plugging connections with the transverse beams of the frame 110, i.e. the frame elements 110a, 110c. Finally, vertically ori ented modular coupling elements 112 allow for vertical plugging connections with all parts of the frame 110.

The frame 110 supports a mounting plate 120 spanning the opening of the frame 110. The mounting plate 120 has a multitude and variety of openings 121, 122, 123 allowing to mount arbitrary printed circuit boards thereon by means of fastening ele ments. Typically, these fastening elements are nuts and bolts with a diameter of a few millimeters, such as in the range 1-4mm, or in the range 2-3mm. Other types of suitable fastening elements are, of course, also conceivable, such as latching, plug ging, or clamping elements. The openings 121, 122, 123 are dimensioned according to the fastening elements to be used, wherein a minimum dimension of the openings 121 , 122, 123 is adapted to the diameter of the fastening elements for external elec tronic components. In some embodiments, a minimum dimension of the openings 121 , 122, 123 is in the range 1-4mm, or in the range 2-3mm.

The multitude of openings 121, 122, 123 comprises circular openings 121 and elon gated openings 122, 123. Advantageously, the diameter of the circular openings is equal to the minimum dimension of the openings 121 , 122, 123. The elongated openings 122, 123 each have a width in a direction transverse of the elongated hole, and a length in a direction along the elongated hole. Advantageously the width of the elongated openings is equal to the minimum dimension of the openings 121,

122, 123. The length of the elongated openings 122, 123 may vary up to a maxi mum dimension of the openings, which is larger than the minimum dimension. For example, the maximum dimension may be five times or ten times the minimum di mension.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the elongated holes are, as best seen in Fig.1 and Fig.2, arranged in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal beams 110b, 110d, as well as in a transverse direction parallel to the transverse beams 110a, 110c. Further advantageously, circular openings 121 alternate with elongated openings 122, 123 on longitudinal and transverse lines. Such an arrange ment of circular and elongated openings 121 , 122, 123 allows for mounting a variety of typically rectangular printed circuit boards, which further typically have fastening holes arranged in corners thereof. However, virtually arbitrarily shaped printed circuit boards, boards which do not have suitable fastening holes, and/or where suitable fastening holes are not accessible can easily be mounted on this arrangement of openings. For example, such boards may be clamped at edges thereof in horizontal and/or vertical directions, such as by means of screws passing through the openings abutting the edge of the board and being secured by e.g. suitable brackets, washers and/or nuts. The circular openings 121 provide a well-defined reference point for mounting a printed circuit board with respect to the frame 110, and in particular with respect to the modular coupling elements 111, 112, 113 arranged on the frame 110. In one embodiment, as e.g. seen in Fig.2, selected ones of the circular openings are arranged centrally on a connection line between coupling elements 111, 112, 113 on opposite sides of the frame 110, wherein the connection lines are parallel to lines of the modular grid defined by the coupling elements 111, 112, 113. For example, elected ones of the circular openings 121, as seen in Fig.2, are arranged centrally on lines, which connect coupling elements 111, 112 on opposite frame elements 110a/110c, 110b/110d, and which run perpendicular to the respective frame ele ments 110a/110c, 110b/110d.

The elongated shaped openings 122, 123, which are provided both in longitudinal and transverse directions, allow continuously adapting the remaining mounting points to the dimensions of an arbitrarily shaped board. By this combination it is pos sible, despite of the flexible mounting of arbitrarily shaped boards, to precisely mount boards having the same layout in a simple and reproducible manner, if nec essary even aligned with respect to the high-precision produced modular grid of the compatible modular construction system.

This facilitates the integration of arbitrary electronic circuit boards, and thus there ar bitrarily configurable and/or programmable functionality, into a modular construction system. Thereby, the variety of possibilities of the modular construction system may be arbitrarily extended, yet keeping all the advantages of the modular construction system for fast and creative development and modification of functional models.

The plate-shaped modular construction element 100 according to embodiments of the invention allows for the flexible assembly of modular construction elements of the compatible modular construction system with highly functional external compo nents, such as computer boards, microprocessors, electronic control units, program mable circuits, electrical and electronic functional components and the like, in partic ular if these external components are provided as a printed circuit board assembly. However, also more simple external components may be integrated. Examples for suitable external components that are based on more simple functional components are motors and actuators, sensors, switches, lights, displays, loudspeakers, or simi lar functional electronic components.

Furthermore, due to the integration of the so-called external components in the mod ular construction system, a simple combination with electronic and other functional elements of the modular construction system is provided, e.g. within one and the same model constructed from elements of the modular construction system.

Forming reliable and quickly detachable mechanical connections is also decisive for the user experience in a teaching context, and thereby also for successful learning. The plate-shaped modular construction element 100 also provides such a user ex perience that promotes learning when relying on different types of electronic and other functional components. An important merit of the invention is here that the user experience in a teaching context should not target the process of model build ing, but rather be adapted for rapid assembly and modification during development, and if necessary trouble-shooting, of functional prototypes corresponding to the edu cational task. Since such modular construction systems can provide reliable and precise mechanical connections, the invention also facilitates the permanent integra tion of the external components during further development into a more complex build. The invention thus also facilitates a gradual build-up of advanced learning pro jects.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a front side surface of the mounting plate 120 is at a front side 101 of the plate-shaped modular construction element 100 aligned flush with a front side edge of the frame 110. Thereby, the plate-shaped modular construction element 100 is also suited for external components with boards extending at least in one horizontal direction beyond the dimensions of the plate-shaped modular construction element 100. Furthermore, this embodiment also ensures easy access to connectors, interfaces, and control elements on external component boards, such as USB-connectors, power supply connectors, network connectors, general and special I/O ports, on7off-switches, configuration switches, reset buttons, and the like, in particular when these are arranged in a sideward di rection.

A guide element facilitating the precise and reproducible alignment of external com ponents with the modular grid of the modular construction system can also be con structed from elements of the modular construction system, and by means of the coupling elements 111 , 112, 113 be directly attached to the plate-shaped modular construction element 100 in correct alignment therewith. To this end, the vertical coupling elements 112 are of particular advantage, since they facilitate the attach ment of such a guide element in particularly simple manner. The further mounting points for mounting the external component can then, as already mentioned above, easily be adapted to the dimensions of the board of the external component by means of the elongated openings 122, 123.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a back side surface of the mount ing plate 120 is at a back side 102 of the plate-shaped modular construction element 100 recessed with respect to a back side edge of the frame 110, so that fastening elements for mounting external components in a vertical direction do not project be yond the edge of the frame 110 at the back side 102. Further advantageously, the mounting plate 120 is in a vertical direction thinner than the corresponding frame 110, so that the mounting plate 120 at the front side 101 is flush aligned with the frame 110, and at the back side 102 is recessed with respect to the frame 110. Fur thermore, a circumferentially closed frame 110 is here also an advantage, as it en sures sufficient stiffness of the plate-shaped modular construction element 100, de spite a relatively thin and heavily perforated mounting plate 120.

It is, however, also conceivable that the plate-shaped modular construction element 100 with a recessed back side 102 may be used “upside down”, i.e. mounting exter nal components within the frame 110 on the back side surface of the mounting plate 120 that is recessed with respect to the frame 110. Amongst others, in this upside down use the frame 110 provides protection for the components mounted therein. Further advantageously, the recess of the mounting plate 120 with respect to the frame 110 is thereby dimensioned such that horizontal plugging connections are lim ited to the frame elements 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d. Thereby it is for example achieved that components that are mounted on the back side 102 within the frame 110 cannot be damaged by connection rods that might unintentionally be pushed though the connection receptacles 111, 113 in a horizontal direction.

Reference numerals

100 plates-shaped modular construction element

101 front side

102 back side

110 frame

110a, c frame elements (transverse beams)

110b,d frame elements (longitudinal beams)

111, 113 modular coupling elements (horizontal)

112 modular coupling elements (vertical)

120 mounting plate

121 opening (circular)

122, 123 opening (elongated)

Claims

1. Plate-shaped modular construction element (100) for a modular construction system comprising modular construction elements adapted to be detachably connected to each other through modular coupling elements, wherein the plate shaped modular construction element (100) comprises a frame (110) defining a plate plane, the frame (110) comprising modular coupling elements (111, 112, 113) according to the modular construction system, characterized in that the plate-shaped modular construction element (100) further comprises a mounting plate (120) supported by the frame (110) in a direction parallel to the plate plane, the mounting plate (120) comprising a multitude of openings (121, 122, 123), which are distributed over the mounting plate (120), wherein the multitude of openings (121, 122, 123) comprises elongated openings (122, 123).

2. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to claim 1 , wherein the multitude of openings (121, 122, 123) further comprises circular openings (121).

3. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to claim 2, wherein the di ameter of the circular openings (121) is a minimum dimension of the openings (121, 122, 123).

4. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the elongated openings (122, 123) comprise first elongated openings oriented in a first direction, and second elongated openings (123) oriented in a second direction different from the first direction.

5. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to claim 4, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

6. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the mounting plate (120) on a front side (101) of the plate-shaped mod ular construction element (100) is aligned flush with the frame (110).

7. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the mounting plate (120) on a back side (102) of the plate-shaped mod ular construction element (100) is recessed with respect to the frame (110) in a vertical direction.

8. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the frame (110) circumferentially encloses the mounting plate (120) at the edge thereof.

9. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the modular coupling elements (111, 112, 113) are arranged on the frame (110) in a periodic arrangement, according to a modular grid of the modu lar construction system.

10. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the frame (110) comprises modular coupling elements (112) for connec tions according to the modular construction system in a vertical direction.

11. Plate-shaped modular construction element according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the frame (110) comprises modular coupling elements (111, 113) for connections according to the modular construction system in a horizontal direc tion.

12. Modular construction system comprising a plurality of modular construction ele ments, each modular construction element comprising modular coupling ele ments, whereby the modular construction elements can be detachably con nected to each other according to a modular grid of the modular construction system to form a construction model, wherein at least one of the modular con struction elements is a plate-shaped modular construction element (100) accord ing to any one of claims 1-11.