COMPONENT FOR PRODUCING ELASTIC ELEMENTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a toy building element (1) for the construction of an elastic structure (2), comprising a plurality of at least three consecutive chain link type individual links (4). According to the invention it is intended that the connection (5) between the separate individual links (4) comprises a lesser reset force in relation to the bending elasticity (shear modulus G) than the reset force in relation to a tensile strength (elasticity modulus E). With this toy building element a claw working according to the bionic principle, a fin working according to this principle or a spring joint can be constructed.

Description

The invention concerns a toy building element for the construction of an elastic structure, exhibiting a number of at least three consecutive chain link type individual links.

For the construction of claws and moving elements different basic elements are known from bionics than they are known from classical mechanics. Instead of mounted axles and revolvably mounted elements, it is known from observing nature to combine flexible and rigid elements in peculiar arrangement to transfer movements through articulated gearing type structures into each other. Examples are fin—or wing like structures that react to a shearing movement with a deformation of the fin or wing to cause a changed approach flow and thus counter the shearing force. This technology is used for the hull of sailing ships as well as for the superstructure as state of the art. In trade language quite frequently the term fin ray principle (Fin Ray Prinzip®) is used to point out the general structural similarity of these bionic construction elements.

Contrary to mechanics, bionics are a rather young branch of research and technology. Therefore, it is the function of the invention to provide a simple construction element as a tool for play and study which permits to easily assemble and study the principles of bionics.

The task according to the invention is solved by the connection between individual links holding a lesser reset force in relation to the bending elasticity (in direction relating to the shear modulus) than the reset force in relation to the tensile strength (in direction relating to the elasticity modulus). Further advantageous configurations are specified within the sub-claims of claim 1.

So according to the invention it is planned that a chain like toy building element exhibits a lesser reset force in relation to the shear—or bending load than in relation to the tensile load. The essential of the toy building element is that it has a certain inherent stability but notwithstanding remains elastically formable whereby the elastic formability is developed differently in three directions perpendicular to each other. A chain exhibits three preferred directions. One direction collinear to the straight chain line and two directions perpendicular to it.

It is important for a first embodiment of the invention that a bending elasticity (in direction relating to the shear modulus) of the toy building element is within a predetermined interval so that the toy building element can be used together with commercially available toys to build bionic claws for instance.

With the preferred embodiment of the invention it is intended that the bending elasticity in the two directions perpendicular to the chain line is developed to different strengths. So if there are three different elasticities in three different directions in space, inevitably there is one elasticity distinguished with the highest reset force and inevitably another elasticity distinguished with the lowest reset force.

For a further embodiment of the invention it is important that a tensile strength (in direction relating to the elasticity modulus) of the toy building element is within a pre-determined interval so that the toy building element can be used together with commercially available toys to build elastic joints to the example of an elastic spring joint for instance.

For the versatile use with a modular toy construction system it is intended for the advantageous configuration of the invention that the individual links have at least one device, preferably a recess for the connection to another rod style rigid toy building element and/or another rigid axle. The fin—or wing elements configured according to the bionic principle can also be used as claw elements or lever gears. To be able to assemble a claw, a fin like structure or a lever gear in a very easy way as a tool for play or study, rigid axles or rod type rigid elements are used as connecting elements, which let the toy building element presented here become a structure reacting to shear movement differently in different directions in space.

Depending on the characteristics of the structure to be constructed it can be necessary to transfer a torque into or to drain a torque from the elastic toy building element. For that the recess is shaped on the toy building element in an advantageous way across the axis of the recess. To mount a further rigid element the toy building element can have a simple recess shaped like a cylindrical bore, However, it is also possible to provide for a structure deviating from the cylindrical shape in shape of a regular or irregular polygonal structure, a slit structure or even a cruciform structure to reliably transfer a torque into the toy building element or to drain it away.

For a preferably broad employment it is intended for the advantageous configuration of the invention that the distance between the individual links is about as large as the size of an individual link, measured as mean diameter. Thus the number of possible connection points with further different building elements is especially large and flexibly designable.

In a special configuration of the invention it is intended that the individual links comprise a rigid core and thus the toy building element comprises anisotropic material properties in relation to elasticity. This embodiment also comprised by the invention is intended for those setups, where an especially strong torque is exercised on the toy building element or shall be drained away from it. Typical uses for this special configuration of the invention are setups where an spring joint structure shall be constructed or generally a structure within which the high energy of a toy building element loaded on tension shall be transferred into a torque, for instance in the manner of a joint opening forcefully.

The setup of the toy building element according to the invention can be very diverse depending on the preferred type of use. In the simple configuration of the invention a monolithic structure made of a single material is intended, whereby in this case the anisotropic material properties are determined by the structure and by the nature and form of the recess of the individual links. The toy building element can be made by injection molding or be cut from full material. A further possibility of production is the formation with a 3D-printing process. To be able to control the elasticity during production by 3D-printing, this is best achieved by layering an elastic filament or an elastic thread which is thermoplastic deformable or adhesive. For the formation a base frame is placed and wrapped with a thread of identical material. Thus it is intended by the arrangement of the production method that a multi-part form is intended where the individual links consist of a bobbin-kind element which is neighboring to further bobbin-kind elements, whereby the individual bobbin-kind elements are connected by a meandering wrapping. For the formation by 3D-printing, filaments of different material can be used for the bobbin-kind base frame and the meandering wrapping or it is possible as well to lay the entire structure from one and the same filament without interruption of the material flow. Thereby, the composition of the filament, especially the direction of layering determine the anisotropic properties of the chain made of individual links, which can be explained in the way that the filament has a different tensile strength than a shearing elasticity. If a bending stress of the completed toy building element is translated into a tensile strength of the individual filament by its assembly, hence the laying pattern of the filaments, and a tensile strength of the completed toy building element is translated into a shear load of the individual filament, then very strong anisotropic material properties of the completed toy building element may be created herewith.

Depending upon the needed stability and resistance against dust, dirt, sweat and chemical substances it can be intended for the toy building element, that the entirety of the individual links is cast into an elastomer, in silicone and/or synthetic or natural rubber.

Furthermore, for a secure connection of the toy building element with another toy building element it can be intended that the individual links dispose of a snap-on element, an elastic lip, a wedge and/or a thread by which the toy building element can be connected to another, rigid toy building element.

To control the elastic properties of the toy building element into the different directions in space it can be intended that the connection between two individual links is tapered. Through the midriff cut or through the tapering, the elasticity in relation to a shearing movement can be controlled whereby this thus created elasticity overlaps with the elasticity created through the kind of laying pattern of the filament.

In specific configuration of the invention it has been advantageously showcased, that if the toy building element has a tensile elasticity (elasticity modulus) within the interval between 2 N/mm² (2 MPa) and 750 N/mm² (750(MPa), preferably has a tensile elasticity (elasticity modulus) between 4 N/mm² (4 MPa) and 250 N/mm² (250 MPa), particularly a tensile elasticity (elasticity modulus) between 5 N/mm² (5 MPa) and 50 N/mm² (50 MPa). Toy building elements with this tensile strength have turned out to be advantageous to build elastic joints, ankle joints elastic wing joints or elastic rocking and bending constructions with commercial toys for children. Do the toy building elements show a tensile strength (elasticity modulus) with a higher elasticity module, the standard connection strengths or—stabilities of toy—and study tools cannot absorb the powers involved. The constructed toy—and study tool would collapse under the internal stress. However, is the reset force of the material of the toy building element to small, even simple elastic joints would not be able to bear the weight of a typical structure constructed from toys.

In relation to the shear modulus the following sizes proved to be ideal for use as toy—and study tool:

In direction of a first shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² comprises a deflection of 1.8 cm (2.5 cm) under influence of an earthly weight force of 8 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.08 N, (13 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.13 N) with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “softer” toy building element hast just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a second shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows a deflection of 3.6 cm at an earthly weight force of 8 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.08 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “harder” toy building element hast just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a first shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows a deflection of 0.9 cm under influence of an earthly weight force of 8 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.08 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

In direction of a second shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows a deflection of 0.9 cm (1.6 cm) under influence of an earthly weight force of 9 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.09 N, (10 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.10 N) with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “softer” toy building element hast just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a second shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows a deflection of 1.8 cm under influence of an earthly weight force of 9 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.09 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “harder” toy building element hast just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a first/second shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows a deflection of 0.5 cm under influence of an earthly weight force of 9 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.09 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

In direction of a torsion modulus with the straight chain line as torsion axis, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows in case of a 90° torsion a torque of 7 g (approx. 0.07 N) with a lever of 10 cm and a length of the torsion section of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “softer” toy building element has just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a torsion modulus with the straight chain line as torsion axis, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows in case of a 90° torsion a torque of 3.5 g (approx. 0.035 N) with a lever of 10 cm and a length of the torsion section of the toy building element of 20 cm.

A “harder” toy building element has just about proven itself with the following values: In direction of a torsion modulus with the straight chain line as torsion axis, a toy building element with an average cross section of about 22 mm² to 38 mm² shows in case of a 90° torsion a torque of 14 g (approx. 0,14 N) with a lever of 10 cm and a length of the torsion section of the toy building element of 20 cm.

With these values of the elasticity modulus, the toy building element is suitable for the employment in toys for manual use and for use with toy-typical, for instance battery driven actuators and drive motors that are driven by at least one monocell (D-cell), baby cell (C-cell), mignon cell (AA cell), mini cell (AAA cell) or at least one typical 9 V—bloc (9V-cell) or by a transformer suitable for toys or by solar cells for toys. The torque of these motors must be able to drive typical and toy compatible setups.

The invention is clarified with the following figures. It shows:

Ill. 1 a plan view on a toy building element according to the invention,

III. 2 the toy building element from Illustration 1 from a perspective view,

Ill. 3 an outline for clarification of the bionic fin principle,

Ill. 4 another outline for clarification of the deformation properties of the toy building element,

Ill. 5 an outline for clarification of the construction of an alternative setup of the toy building element according to the invention,

Ill. 6 an outline equivalent to illustration 5 from a perspective view,

Ill. 7 a detail enlargement for clarification of the internal structure options,

Ill. 8 a presentation of the bending in a first direction with the corresponding bending elasticity (shear modulus G′) in y-direction,

Ill. 9 a presentation of the bending in a first direction with the corresponding bending elasticity (shear modulus G) in z-direction,

Ill. 10 an outline for further clarification of the fin principle according to Illustration 3 in four consecutive states of deformation,

Ill. 11 an outline for further clarification of the torsion of the toy building elements,

III. 12 an example for the correct setup of pincers style claws made of toy building elements in a state grasping a sensitive object.

III. 13 an example for the correct setup of a tripartite fin grasp made from toy building stones in a state grasping a sensitive object.

Ill. 14 an example of a toy fly with elastic wings made of toy building elements according to the invention,

Illustration 1 displays a plan view on a toy building element 1 according to invention, which is comprising several individual links 4 in a chainlike structure. Thereby the individual links 4 are connected be connections 5. The kind and construction of the chain structure provide the toy building element 1 different elasticities or rather reset forces working in different directions in space. In order to be able to connect the toy building element 1 with further, other toy building elements of a toy building system, the toy building element 1 comprises fixtures 6 for connections, which in the most simple case can be a simple recess to insert another interlocking toy building element there. However, it can also be intended, that the fixture 6 for connections is a profiled recess and like in the shown example has a form reminding of a medal cross. Further forms of the fixture 6 for connections are possible like a slit-shaped recess or a cruciform recess with lips to increase friction. In Illustration 1 the elasticity modulus E working in direction of the linear chain line as well as the shear modulus G perpendicular to the linear chain line, hence in a right angle to the direction of the chain line, are shown. It is intended that the reset force working in the direction of the shear modulus G is significantly smaller than the reset force working in the direction of the elasticity modulus E. The oval cutout A sketched into the chain is shown below the chain line as detail enlargement A. The individual links 4 comprise a mean cross section 10 and a repeating distance 9. In the preferred embodiment of the toy building element according to the invention it is intended, that the mean cross section 10 of an individual link 4 is as large as the repeating distance 9 of two neighboring individual links 4. Thereby the connection 5 between to individual links 4 is constricted or tapered, however at any rate it comprises a significantly lower material circumference volume than the individual links 4 themselves, whereby the material circumference volume includes the volume of the recess 7. Through the kind and form of the tapering, the differing relation of elasticity in the different directions in space can be controlled.

In illustration 2 the toy building element 1 according to the invention from illustration 1 is sketched from a perspective view. The individual links 4 comprise a basically cylindrical exterior shape, which are connected by a bar as connection 5. The height-width-ratio of an individual link 4 corresponds approximately to a cubic spatial form, whereby the width is slightly shorter than the height to make room for the bar as connection 5. Within the perspective sketch the measurement is shown, which complies with the distance 9 and the spatial directions relating to the toy building element 1 are marked. Thereby, the initially mentioned direction of the chain line complies with the spatial direction of the elasticity modulus E, a first direction perpendicular to the linear chain line is the direction of the shear modulus G and a second direction perpendicular to the linear chain line is the direction of the shear modulus G′. According to the invention it is intended that the reset force working along the elasticity modulus E is the highest, followed by the reset force working in the direction of the shear modulus G′ and this followed by the reset force working in the direction of the shear modulus G.

To demonstrate the effect that can be achieved by the toy building element 1 according to the invention, in Illustration 3 a construction from a toy building element 1 according to the invention, for simplification displayed as a chain of balls here, is shown. For this exemplary construction, two basically identical toy building elements 1 are connected to each other by 4 cross struts QS1, QS2, QS3 and QS4 in a triangular shape. It is sufficient for the bionic fin-effect, that a lateral shear load, as indicated by the directional arrow S, deforms the fin approached by a flow from below, as indicated by the directional arrow V. Within this bionic fin effect the deformation in direction of the arrow V also works as an antagonist movement. It is not only possible to execute antagonistic flow movements by the bionic fin principle, but also to construct very gentle claw devices, when these are designed as two- or multi-tier pliers. Thereby, each structure shown as a fin here forms a part of the pliers, that grasp an element to be grasped, for instance an apple of an egg. The form of the delicate object, the apple or the egg, leads to a gentle but quite firm enclosure of the grasped object, whereby the toy building element according to the invention is suitable as well to construct a bionic robot claw.

The special features of the toy building element 1 according to the invention work like explained in illustration 4.

It is shown in illustration 4 how the toy building element 1 according to the invention, here represented by three individual elements 4, reacts to a shearing load. The length of the chain excerpt displayed by the three individual elements 4 undergoes an apparent shortening by bending the connections 5 between the elements 4. Instead of the complete arc length BL, complying with the length L of the three individual links 4, in case of a shear load the real arc length BL′ seems to shorten. This comes about because the bars as connections 5 bend significantly more than it would correspond to the deformation of an evenly formed building element. Thereby, the cores of the individual elements, which in itself hardly follow the deformation at all, move closer together. This shortening leads to the triangular shape in illustration 3 moving into the sketched form because the chain line at present on the right side of the illustration 3 does not deform but maintains its entire length. The only geometric alternative form is the form of the deformed triangle sketched in illustration 3. An isotropically formed and isotropically elastic building element would have the effect that the left chain in illustration 3, as well as the right chain in illustration 4, experience a lateral indentation so that the triangular shape would be maintained with the exception of the indentation. Only the anisotripical flexibility of the toy building unit 1 leads to the bionic fin principle.

The toy building element 1 can be cut from the solid, manufactured by laser ablation or produced in a larger scale by injection molding. For very special uses, the toy building element 1 can be manufactured from different elements that are made of the same or different materials. When made by a 3D-printing process it can be intended that a thermoplastic material with elastic properties is inlayed as a filament. The filament is laid to different bobbin-shaped individual elements 4 and thermoplastically deformed slightly by sintering and fusing. To control the elastic properties with the 3D-printing process, the filament for the 3D-printing process is laid in two meandering wrappings 13 and 13′ around the individual elements 4 like shown in illustration 5. The position of the 3D-Print-filament as meandering wrapping 13 and 13′ is shown from a perspective view in illustration 6. The individual elements 4 comprise a recess 7, here in form of a star-shaped cavity are wrapped by two opposite meandering wrappings. During the 3D-process, the filaments fuse so that at the end of the production process there is a toy building element as shown in illustration 2. Since the filament for the 3D-print as elongated material comprises predetermined elasticities in the direction of the filament and across, this laying of the filament assures that the predetermined properties of the filament can be specifically used.

Finally, in illustration 7 it is shown that within the recess 7 lips 14 for increasing the friction can be provided, which can hold another toy building element within. An optional thread 15 is shown within as well, that is designed similar to the thread fragments of a tread cutter known in principle. However, in the form presented here, the thread 15 is not intended as a cutting thread but as a thread receiving a corresponding screw to fix another different toy building element within.

In illustration 8 the bending in direction of the shear modulus G′ according to illustration 2 is illustrated. Thereby, the reset force in direction of the shear modulus G′ should be between the reset force in direction of the shear modulus G according to illustration 2 and the elasticity modulus E. During deformation it is important that the entire toy building element 1 deforms evenly or at least harmonically and without local deformations like in case of kinking on a rope and not like in case of a fold.

Illustration 9 shows the bending in direction of the shear modulus G according to illustration 2. The formability shall be the largest in direction of the shear modulus G, so to shall comprise the smallest reset force. The smallest reset force permits the toy building element 1 to comprise a strong elastic deformation in direction of the shear modulus G which is even or at least harmonic and without local deformations, so the toy building element does not deform like in case of kinking on a rope and not like in case of a fold.

Illustration 10 shows the dynamics of a fin-like construction according to illustration 3 in different stages more clearly. In combination of four toy building elements according to the invention and six rod formed rigid elements with at least one profile corresponding to an individual element of the toy building element according to the invention, whereby the toy building element according to the invention is connected to the rods by connecting bolts and pins, demonstrates the fin principle here.

During a first stage, not loaded with a laterally working force F0, the basically triangular construction forms a roof-like triangle. With the effect of a small, laterally working force F1, the triangle starts to bow antagonistically against the laterally working force. With a stronger working force F2 the antagonistic bow increases until with a laterally working nominal force F3 the wanted effect of the bionic claw is achieved and the triangle aligns its tip contrary to the working power.

In illustration 11 a torsion load of the toy building stone is displayed in three stages. During the left stage the torsion of the toy building element is approximately 90°. Already during the middle stage the torsion is approximately 315° . During the right stage, torsion and bending overlap. With all torsion and bending loads, the toy building element reacts as a harmonically bending toy building element, that means as toy building element without building kinking, folds or discontinuities.

Illustration 12 shows with the example of a specific construction of a pliers-like fin-claw constructed from toy building elements according to the invention in a state encompassing a delicate object (ball, egg). The gripping condition is achieved by manual compression against the reset forces of the used toy building elements. In a relaxed state, the delicate object (ball, egg) is positioned between the pliers shoes according to illustration 3 or illustration 10 being encompassed only a little bit.

Illustration 13 shows with the example of a specific construction of a tripartite fin-claw constructed from toy building elements in a state encompassing a delicate object (ball, egg). The functionality is given like in illustration 12 however, here three individual, fin-like claws work encompassing a ball safely.

Further, the type of reset forces due to the different shear moduluses G and G′ as well as the elasticity modulus E make the construction of the profile of a dragonfly wing possible.

Illustration 14 shows the construction of a toy fly with elastic wings from toy building elements according to the invention as an example, which can comprise twisted and non-twisted wings styled like a wing profile. The torsion of the toy building element makes the construction of a typical, twisted wing profile possible. Together with additional rigid elements included in the toy building element, the toy building element according to the invention forms the profile while twisting.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
1   toy building element
2   elastic structure
4   individual link
5   connection
6   Device for connection
7   recess
8   axis
9   distance
10  diameter
11  centrum
12  bobbin-kind element
13  winding
13' winding
14  lip
15  threads
A   section
BL  arch length
BL' apparent arch length
L   length, distance
QS1 cross strut
QS2 cross strut
QS3 cross strut
QS4 cross strut
S   direction of shearing power
V   direction of deformation

Claims

1. Toy building element (1) for the construction of an elastic structure (2), comprising characterized in that the connection (5) between the separate individual links (4) comprises a lesser reset force in relation to the bending elasticity (shear modulus) than the reset force in relation to a tensile strength (elasticity modulus).

a plurality of at least three consecutive chain link type individual links (4),

2. Toy building element according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the individual links (4) comprise at least one device (6), preferably designed as a recess (7), for the connection to another rigid toy building element or another rigid axle.

3. Toy building element according to claim 2,

characterized in that

the recess (7) is profiled cross the axle (8) of the recess (7).

4. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 3

characterized in that

the distance (9) between the individual links (4) is about as large as the size of an individual link (4) measured as mean diameter (10).

5. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 4

characterized in that

the individual links (4) comprise a rigid core (11).

6. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 5

characterized in that

a monolithic form made of a single material is intended.

7. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 6

characterized in that

a multi-part form is intended where the individual links (4) consist of a bobbin-kind element (12) which is neighboring to further bobbin-kind elements (12), whereby the individual bobbin-kind elements (12) are connected by a meandering wrapping (13).

8. Toy building element according to claim 7

characterized in that

the entirety of the individual links (4) is cast into an elastomer. In silicone and/or synthetic rubber.

9. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 8

characterized in that

the individual links (4) dispose of a snap-on element, an elastic lip (14), a wedge and/or a thread (15), by which the individual elements (4) are preferably connectible with another, rigid toy building element.

10. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 9

characterized in that

the connection (5) between two individual elements (4) is tapered.

11. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 10

characterized in that

the tensile elasticity (elasticity modulus) is within the interval between 2 N/mm2 (2 MPa) and 750 N/mm2 (750 MPa), preferably between 4 N/mm2 (4 MPa) and 250 N/mm2 (250 MPa), particularly preferred between 5 N/mm2 MPa) and 50 N/mm2 (50 MPa).

12. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 11

characterized in that

in direction of a first shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, this comprises at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 a deflection of 3.6 cm at an earthly weight force of 8 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.08 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm to at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 a deflection of 0.9 cm at an earthly weight force of 8 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.08 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

13. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 12

characterized in that

in direction of a second shear modulus perpendicular to the direction of the chain line, so in a right angle to the straight chain length, this comprises at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 a deflection of 1.8 cm at an earthly weight force of 9 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.09 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm to at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 a deflection of 0.5 cm at an earthly weight force of 9 g, corresponding to about approx. 0.09 N, with a length of the toy building element of 20 cm.

14. Toy building element according to claims 1 to 12

characterized in that

in direction of a torsion modulus with the straight chain line as torsion axis, this comprises at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 and at a 90° torsion a torque of 3.5 g (approx. 0.035 N) with a lever of 10 cm and a length of the torsion section of the toy building element of 20 cm to

in direction of a torsion modulus with the straight chain line as torsion axis, this comprises at an average cross section of about 22 mm2 to 38 mm2 and at a 90° torsion a torque of 14 g (approx. 0.14 N) with a lever of 10 cm and a length of the torsion section of the toy building element of 20 cm.

15. Set of at least one toy building element according to claims 1 to 11 and at least one rod-formed rigid element with at least one profile corresponding to an individual element of the toy building element according to the invention, whereby the toy building element according to the invention is connectible with the rods by connecting bolts or pins.