AVE – Modular Lego Minifigure Shelf

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2020

AVE is a semi-modular Lego minifigure shelf focused on providing an interactive experience for the user and their collection. The shelf is highly customisable as it uses a universal element that can be positioned anywhere on the starting peg board. Each building block can hold up to 10 Lego minifigures and their baseplates, as every surface of the block houses a Lego strip. This allows the user to create fun setups, positioning figures upside down or on the sides.

Most available Lego shelves focus on being as flush to the wall as possible. What is more, they aim on keeping the minifigures in one straight line which gives the user no chance in experimenting with the layout.

The goal was to create a shelf that

• is more engaging that current solutions

• can be expanded as the minifigure collection gets bigger

• makes possible placing minifigures in front of one another

• is modular, infinitely customisable and playable

The product consists of a steel backplate mounted to an acrylic board with peg holes, and as many mounting blocks as the user needs. Mounting blocks house a magnet on the back of the pegs, as well as inside the front holes. These magnets act as glue, but also act create the possibility of stacking. Building blocks can be placed one into another to create dimension while increasing the number of spots for the minifigures. The shelf as a whole encourages adjustments and play, instead of acting as a static item that merely collects dust. As the user's collection grows, so does AVE.

The first backplate is a steel plate laser cut to accommodate mounting screws as well as to remove sharp edges. The second backplate, is a clear PMMA (acrylic) plate with CNC machined holes, which also has a slot for mounting the steel plate. The building blocks are MJF printed parts in PA12 nylon, dyed to desired spec. The semi 'Lego' strips are block tape strips that can be cut to any length needed and then glued into place. Lastly, the magnets are N35 Magnets each rated to Pull Force of 2100 grams. Having the parts 3d-printable and available to the public means anyone can print the assembly at home with an FDM printer and glue a pair of magnets to get a usable product.

Magnets were the choice for mounting as they have a number of advantages. Firstly, they give a satisfying click when put in place and they also provide a solution of mounting that is not permanent. Additionally, they encourage easy repositioning and exploration of setups.

The grid allows mounted elements to be placed in any direction regardless of orientation. It also means that the mounting elements do not have to be a fixed length x. They can also be 2x or 3x long, as long as they have pegs that hold them in place. The possibilities for various product add-ons are truly endless. For example, that can include color, size and finish of the building block elements as well as the starting backboard.