Power hub for interlocking bricks
An integrated power hub with a rotating driveshaft allows for the transformation of interlocking building blocks into a moving model. Blocks may be attached in many different combinations and configurations to any or all of 6 buildable surfaces of the power hub. A motor and a battery may both be safely integrated within the power hub such that the single unit may be used without the need for additional wires. Numbered studs on one or more of the building surfaces may facilitate clear instructions for young users.
1. A power hub for use with interlocking bricks; the hub comprising:
a. a six-faced housing comprising:
i. a first face, disposed at a top of the housing, wherein the first face comprises 12 studs arranged in a cross pattern configured to interlock with interlocking bricks;
ii. a second face, disposed at a side of the housing such that it is perpendicular with the first face, wherein the second face comprises a control switch;
iii. a third face at a side of the housing such that it is perpendicular with the first face and the second face, wherein the third face comprises an internal driveshaft which is orthogonal to the third face and 4 pin holes arranged surrounding the driveshaft;
iv. a fourth face at a side of the housing such that it is perpendicular with the first face and the third face, and parallel with the second face wherein the fourth face comprises 8 hollow studs arranged in two rows of four and surrounding 3 pin holes, such that the fourth face is configured to receive both interlocking bricks and pins;
v. a fifth face at a side of the housing such that it is perpendicular with the first face, the second face, and the fourth face, and parallel with the third face, wherein the fifth face comprises 5 anti-studs arranged in a cross pattern; and
vi. a sixth face, disposed at a bottom of the housing such that it is perpendicular with the second face, the third face, the fourth face, and the fifth face, and parallel with the first face, wherein the sixth face comprises 5 anti-studs arranged in a cross pattern, surrounded by 4 recesses radially extending from the anti-studs, each recess having a closed curved end and an open opposing end;
b. an electric motor, disposed inside the housing and mechanically coupled with the driveshaft such that the motor is configured to cause rotation of the driveshaft; and
c. an internal battery, disposed inside the housing and electrically coupled with the motor such that the battery is configured to power the motor,
wherein the switch is electrically coupled with both the motor and the battery such that the switch is configured to control operation of the motor.