Air-Propelled Discharge Platform for Precise Aerial Special Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerial firework launch systems have limited accuracy, resulting in pyrotechnics being ignited at undesired altitudes, which restricts audience positioning and sightlines, reducing the excitement and safety of entertainment experiences.

Innovation Solution

An air-delivered special effect system using a flying platform, such as a drone or airplane, equipped with a processor and transceiver, allows for precise control of special effect devices like pyrotechnics and confetti to be discharged from a controllable aerial position directly to a desired location, using GPS and wireless communication for accurate targeting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If ground delivered pyrotechnics are used, then safety for audience members is improved, but sight lines and excitement are worsened due to limited audience positioning options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety for audience membersVSAvoidaudience positioning and sight lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from ground-based special effects delivery to aerial delivery using drones operating in three-dimensional space. This allows special effects to be delivered from above the audience rather than from ground level, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of delivery and enabling new audience positioning configurations while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If aerial firework launch systems are used to provide excitement and better sight lines, then audience experience is improved, but accuracy is worsened resulting in pyrotechnics being ignited at undesired altitudes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudience positioning and sight linesVSAvoidaltitude accuracy of pyrotechnic ignition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial delivery system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including GPS tracking, altitude sensors, and wireless communication between the ground control station and the drone. This enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the drone's position and the special effects device activation, ensuring precise delivery to the intended location and altitude while maintaining audience safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical gravity-defined trajectories with electronically controlled aerial delivery. Instead of relying on physical launch mechanisms with inherent accuracy limitations, the system uses programmable drone navigation, GPS guidance, and electronic triggering to achieve precise delivery and activation of special effects devices at predetermined locations and altitudes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ground delivered special effects are used, then safety is improved, but the area required for the system is increased reducing the number of audience members that can be included

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety for audience membersVSAvoidarea required for the system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system moves from two-dimensional ground-based delivery to three-dimensional aerial delivery, allowing special effects to be delivered from above the audience area rather than requiring additional ground space. This vertical dimension utilization enables the system to serve larger audiences in more compact configurations while maintaining safety distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This system provides a safer and more exciting entertainment experience by enabling precise and accurate delivery of special effects close to the audience, enhancing sightlines and reducing the physical constraints of traditional gravity-defined trajectories.

Implementation Method 1

a flight mechanism that propels the discharge platform through the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic propulsion: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS9776100B2Air delivered special effects

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A discharge platform comprises an air propulsion mechanism that propels the discharge platform through the air. The discharge platform also comprises a special effect storage device that stores a special effect and is operably connected to the discharge platform. Further, the discharge platform comprises a processor. In addition, the discharge platform comprises an air delivery special effect mechanism that discharges a special effect from the special effect storage device toward a destination after receiving an instruction from the processor and during propulsion of the discharge platform through the air by the air propulsion mechanism.