Modular structure

Abstract

This invention is a modular device that uses permanent-magnets and electro-magnets to hold their position and reconfigure their position. The device has a variety of possible sizes, shapes and forms but all use the same principle of “complementary geometry”. In its simplest form it could be used as a child's toy. A dozen or so 3″ blocks with only permanent-magnets and using this “complementary geometry” system, would allow the most uncoordinated child a frustration free assembly of their building blocks, because the blocks would literally slide into place. In a more complex example: the device could be used as a digital display. By having a matrix of devices with permanent & electro-magnets, and with different colored sides, one could display charter of text by electronically rotating specific blocks in the matrix to create the pattern of a letter(s). With the same principle and using a larger matrix it is possible to display real life images. In an even more complex example of this invention: this modular structure could transform itself from one shape to another, only by using the same principles as the said digital display. Electronically the device would morph in three dimensions. In conjunction with a CAD system, this Modular Structure with a matrix of thousands of tiny blocks would be a new type of rapid prototyping system for Industrial Designers.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows;  
     
         1 . A modular structure, said modular structure comprising: 
 at least two building blocks, each of said building blocks including a block body defining at least one block connecting face, said block connecting face defining a block external connecting configuration;    a linking component, said linking component defining a pair of linking component connecting faces, each of said linking component connecting faces defining a linking component external configuration that is configured and sized so as to at least partially mate complimentarily with the block external connecting configuration of one of said blocks;    a magnetic force generating means for generating a magnetic field, said magnetic force generating means being anchored either to said block body and/or to said linking component so as generate a magnetic force that emanates respectively either through said block external connecting configuration and/or said linking component external configurations; whereby the block external connecting configuration of each of said blocks are adapted to be positioned in a facing relationship relative to each other with said linking component external configurations at least partially mating complimentarily with the block external connecting configuration of said blocks, said magnetic force generating means exerting a magnetic force that releasably maintains said building blocks coupled by said linking component.    
     
     
         2 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said block external connecting configuration takes the form of a recess and said a linking component external configurations take the form of complementary protrusions.  
     
     
         3 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said block external connecting configuration takes the form of a protrusion and said a linking component external configurations take the form of complementary recesses.  
     
     
         4 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said magnetic force generating means is anchored to said block body so as generate a magnetic force that emanates through said block external connecting configuration.  
     
     
         5 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said magnetic force generating means is anchored to said linking component so as generate a magnetic force that emanates through said linking component external configurations.  
     
     
         6 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 2  wherein said block external connecting configuration takes the form of a concavity defining a generally curved recess inner surface.  
     
     
         7 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 6  wherein said linking component external configurations take the form of generally rounded convexities.  
     
     
         8 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 6  wherein said linking component has a generally lenticular configuration.  
     
     
         9 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said magnetic force generating means is a magnet component made out of a magnetized piece of material.  
     
     
         10 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 6  wherein said magnetic force generating means is a magnet component made out of a magnetized piece of material, said magnet component being embedded within said block body so that a magnet outer surface thereof merges with said curved recess inner surface.  
     
     
         11 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 10  wherein said outer surface of said magnet component has a generally diamond-shaped configuration.  
     
     
         12 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said complementary block external connecting configurations and said a linking component external configurations allow both of said block bodies to pivot relative to said linking component about a common pivotal axis while maintaining said block bodies and said linking component in contact with each other.  
     
     
         13 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said block body has a generally polyhedral configuration defining a plurality of block connecting faces.  
     
     
         14 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 13  wherein said block body has a cubic configuration.  
     
     
         15 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 13  wherein said block body has a generally frustro-conical configuration.  
     
     
         16 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said linking component is permanently attached to on e of said block connecting faces.  
     
     
         17 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said magnetic force generating means is an electro-magnet component.  
     
     
         18 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each building block and each linking component is provided with a set of electro-magnets, said modular structure being provided with a selective actuating means for selectively activating the formation of the magnetic field of at least some of said electro-magnets according to a predetermined activation pattern.  
     
     
         19 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 18  wherein said selective actuating means includes a means for generating said predetermined pattern; said electro-magnets and said building blocks being configured, sized and positioned so that selective activation of the electro-magnets according to said predetermined pattern modifies the configuration of said modular structure  
     
     
         20 . A modular structure as recited in  claim 18  wherein said selective actuating means includes a set of receivers; each receiver being coupled to a corresponding electro-magnet; said selective actuating means also including an emitter for selectively emitting a signal ; whereby upon reception of said signal from said emitter, each receiver, in turn, sends a signal to the corresponding electro-magnet to which it is coupled for activating the latter.