I broke a lot of toys when I was a kid through general useage, but one thing I was always able to play with for ages before breaking were LEGO bricks. Like many LEGO fans, I kind of just assumed that the ubiquitous building bricks were pretty much invincible, immune to wearing down over time and usage.
Phillipe Cantin wanted to put that theory to the test by building a homemade machine that tests exactly how many times a LEGO brick can be attached and detached before breaking. The ingenious little machine automatically attaches two bricks together, holds the bottom one in place for detaching and then places them back together while keeping track of the results with an infrared sensor.
It turns out that LEGO bricks aren't as invincible as I thought, but according to Cantin's LEGO stress test, the bricks took 37,112 times before breaking. That's durability!
Cantin says his next project may be a machine that tests exactly how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop, and no, I don't think he's kidding.
Building Block Stress Tests
This Machine Tests How Many Times LEGO Can be Used Before Breaking
Trend Themes
1. Testing Durability of Building Blocks - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new construction toys that are even more durable than LEGO bricks, appealing to parents and children seeking long-lasting play experiences.
2. Automation in Testing Processes - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create automated machines for stress testing various products, providing accurate and efficient results for quality control and product improvement.
3. Quantifying Product Lifespan - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design devices or software that can assess and estimate the lifespan of consumer products, helping businesses and consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to produce toys that have enhanced durability and can withstand frequent use.
2. Quality Control and Testing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced testing equipment and methods to assess the durability and lifespan of various products, enabling manufacturers to create high-quality and long-lasting goods.
3. Consumer Electronics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate durability testing technologies into the design and manufacturing of electronic devices, ensuring longer lifespan and improved customer satisfaction.