3D Viewing Mirror Assembly With Interchangeable Image Discs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kaleidoscopes lack the ability to provide dynamic and variable patterns, limiting user engagement and failing to leverage the therapeutic benefits of stereoscopic and depth perception exercises.

Innovation Solution

A 3-dimensional viewing device with interchangeable image discs and components, featuring a cylindrical body with a lensed viewing hole, a mirror assembly, and a rotatable image holder that allows for multiple focus points and interchangeable discs, enhancing visual stimulation and therapeutic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional kaleidoscope designs with fixed colored chips are used, then the device structure is simple, but the range of color patterns is fixed and user engagement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of color patternsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate interchangeable modules: image discs, transparent films, and lens assemblies. Each module can be independently replaced to change the visual patterns, allowing users to explore diverse color patterns without redesigning the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates multiple functional layers (image discs, transparent films, lenses) that can work together in various combinations. Each component serves multiple purposes: image discs provide base patterns, transparent films add color filtering and additional patterns, and lenses create magnification and distortion effects, collectively enabling a wide range of visual experiences from a single device platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If kaleidoscopes with interchangeable drum sections are used, then new arrays and colored forms can be viewed, but the material viewed is still limited and it is difficult to select materials that will produce suitable chips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of visual materialsVSAvoiddifficulty to select and arrange materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses inexpensive, easily manufactured image discs and transparent films that can be readily replaced. These flat, two-dimensional components are much easier to produce and interchange than traditional three-dimensional chip assemblies, lowering the barrier to entry for creating new visual patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from three-dimensional chip assemblies to two-dimensional flat discs and films. This dimensional reduction simplifies the selection and arrangement process, as users can easily handle, stack, and interchange flat circular components rather than manipulating complex 3D chip structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional kaleidoscopes are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but they fail to provide therapeutic benefits through stereoscopic and depth perception exercises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic benefitsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates rotatable components including the image disc holder and transparent film assemblies that can rotate independently. This dynamic capability allows users to actively manipulate the visual patterns, creating moving stereoscopic images that engage depth perception and provide therapeutic exercise for visual processing, rather than presenting static patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses a nested structure where transparent films are positioned within the optical path between the image discs and the viewing aperture. Multiple layers of transparent films can be stacked and rotated independently, creating complex interacting visual fields that stimulate stereoscopic perception and provide therapeutic benefits while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If kaleidoscopes with user-made chips are used, then users can customize patterns, but it is difficult to select materials that will produce suitable chips regarding color transmission and freedom to move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidcolor transmission and movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses inexpensive, easily manufactured image discs and transparent films that can be readily replaced. These flat, two-dimensional components are much easier to produce and interchange than traditional three-dimensional chip assemblies, lowering the barrier to entry for creating new visual patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides dynamic and variable patterns, improving visual acuity, depth perception, and offering therapeutic benefits such as strengthening eye muscles and enhancing brain health through stereoscopic effects.

Implementation Method 1

a lensed viewing hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

viewed from the viewing hole via a lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a mirror assembly... wherein the mirror assembly comprises at least two mirrors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4123361B13-dimensional viewing device with stereoscopic effect and interchangeable image discs and components
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 KELLEY BURNEY
  • EP4123361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4123361B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4123361B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The invention of the current application is directed to a 3-dimensional viewing device with stereoscopic affect including a main linear body (102) including at least one inner lining layer, and a mirror assembly (105). The at least one inner lining is positioned within the main linear body and the mirror assembly is positioned inside the main linear body where the perimeter of the mirror assembly is surrounded by the at least one inner lining. The mirror assembly includes at least two mirrors. The 3-dimensional viewing device with stereoscopic affect also includes an image holder assembly (109A, 109B) including a gear assembly (123-135), and an endcap (100) including a viewing hole (106). The endcap is attached to a first end of the main linear body and the second end of the main linear body at least partially inserts into an opening in the image holder assembly.