Making "better" Lego bricks? My challenge.

[henrysunset]

As some of you may have seen, I've undertaken a "30-day Lego challenge" to build and learn about Lego by completing 30 projects in around 30 days.

So far, I've built a lot of models. In one of my projects, I expanded on existing knowledge of the 5 to 6 ratio of a Lego bricks width and height by measuring the precise proportions of some common components in the Lego system. A complete set of common Lego proportions are called out in the following image:

Common proportions within the Lego Brick and broader Lego system...

Could I Design a better Lego brick?

For my most recent challenge, I wanted to challenge the odd proportions used by the Lego system and design a simpler system which would be better suited for AFOL's who like to build scale models. My blog post details my ideas, how I modeled the "better" blocks in 3d software, and my experiences printing a small number of "tomBlox" using a 3d printer. (I later learned that my recommendations are very similar to the "modulex" design; great minds think alike?.)

Link to more info: http://tomalphin.com...ks-tomblox.html

A teaser photo showing my rough 3d printed "TomBlox" prototype.

Have you ever considered how to make Lego blocks better? Have you tried to create Lego or similar blocks using a 3d printer? Leave a comment here or on my blog with your thoughts!

Sincerely,

---tom

Edited November 19, 2013 by henrysunset

[henrysunset]

I'm surprised nobody else has tried this... 3d printing is a really interesting frontier of technology innovation.

[Front]

If you are tired of the 6/5 ratio in the Bricks system, turn to Technic system, where the module is the same in all directions.

There is no doubt that the proportions of a LEGO brick could have been made in a more suitable modular way. Aeshtetics probably was a big factor when the basic design proportions was chosen back in the 50's.

Erland

Part Design

[Boxerlego]

Lego bricks are square. I built this solenoid engine using building techniques not based around the square but around the circle. Just look at the end of a Technic lift-arm and you will see it is round. Not many people can say that they have built off the end of a lift arm and it had a purpose too.

Edited November 21, 2013 by Boxerlego

[alois]

If you are tired of the 6/5 ratio in the Bricks system, turn to Technic system, where the module is the same in all directions.

There is no doubt that the proportions of a LEGO brick could have been made in a more suitable modular way. Aeshtetics probably was a big factor when the basic design proportions was chosen back in the 50's.

Erland

Part Design

Or you could try and find some old boxes of Modulex bricks, which also have a 1x1x1 ratio.

[Hrw-Amen]

I suppose the question to making better LEGO bricks is why? If you want a 1X1X1 ratio then as alois said you can use Modulex. I have a few of those bricks and they do seem to be a lot more like a real world ratio to me. But you don't need to make them, they already exist.

If you want to do it, just because you want to do it then that is fine, i can't see many people wanting to copy you though, but that does not matter, it is your project so I hope it works out for you and you continue to show your photographs. I would be particularly interested in some pictures of them made up, stacked or built into a model of some sort..

However, it will not be better LEGO, only LEGO can make better LEGO. You can make some building blocks that happen to have some similar features to LEGO and share some functions but that is about it really.

[henrysunset]

...only LEGO can make better LEGO...

I wholeheartedly agree. This project was simply an opportunity for me to better understand the Lego system and it's strengths and weaknesses. I do think that I personally would prefer a system with the 1x1 ratio (like Modulex), but with the incredible maturity of available Lego sets, great consistent quality parts, and diverse selection of specialty bricks, Lego is clearly the winner.

I guess the real point is the thought exercise of what "could have been" if they chose this ratio to begin with... I am glad to hear people finding my exploration was interesting :-) If you haven't already, check out more of my Lego projects at http://tomalphin.com

Sincerely,

---tom