Why Aren't LEGO Bricks Cubic? The Reason Behind Their Shape and Interlocking Design
The iconic LEGO bricks are renowned for their versatility and interlocking capability, but have you ever wondered why they are not cubic in shape? This article delves into the historical and practical reasons behind the cuboid shape of LEGO bricks, exploring how this design choice enhances construction versatility and interlocking strength.
Historical Context and Inspiration
The story of LEGO bricks begins in the mid-20th century when the first plastic molding machines were introduced to the company. In 1947, LEGO received samples of plastic building bricks from KiddiCraft, a British company. LEGO adapted these samples slightly to create their own unique version. The 2x4 LEGO brick, much like its British counterpart, demonstrates a striking similarity in dimensions, with a width-to-length ratio of about 3.333, very close to the standard UK brick ratio of 3.308.
Practical Advantages of the Cuboid Shape
The cuboid shape of LEGO bricks provides several practical advantages, particularly in terms of structure and interlocking.
Economical Design and Interlocking Strength
A cuboid shape is considered economical because it minimizes wasted material while also offering superior interlocking properties. The slightly wider face of the brick, combined with the studs on top, allows for a tighter fit and stronger bond when connected to other bricks. This interlocking design is crucial for creating stable and durable structures.
Wall Construction and Interlocking Patterns
Similar to how real-life bricks are laid in walls for construction, LEGO bricks use a specific interlocking pattern that ensures stability and strength. If LEGO bricks were cubic, the interlocking mechanism would be significantly weaker. The slight difference in the width and length allows for a staggered pattern, which maximizes structural integrity and prevents the structure from collapsing.
The Influence of Masonry Brick Standards
The shape of LEGO bricks can be traced back to the dimensions of traditional masonry bricks used in British construction. Brick walls are typically constructed with a ratio close to 3:1 for width to length, allowing for easy alignment and strong interlocking. LEGO designers, when creating their bricks, kept this ratio in mind, ensuring that the design mimicked real-life brick walls.
The Specific Dimensions of LEGO Bricks
For a LEGO 2x4 brick, the dimensions when viewed from the side are approximately 8 millimeters (width) by 9.6 millimeters (length), giving a ratio of 5:6. This is not quite square, which is intentional to maintain the unique interlocking property. Similarly, a 2x2 brick has dimensions of 16 millimeters (width) by 9.6 millimeters (length), giving a ratio of 5.3:3 or approximately 1:1.5. These specific dimensions were derived from the need to mimic the interlocking pattern found in real-life brick walls.
Conclusion
The non-cubic shape of LEGO bricks is not arbitrary; it is a carefully considered design choice that ensures both structural integrity and the ability to create a wide range of shapes and sizes. By closely mimicking the dimensions of traditional masonry bricks, LEGO bricks can be interlocked in a way that mirrors real-world construction techniques, enhancing both the stability and the creativity of the resulting structures.