Air-Tight Object with Patterned Illuminated Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational balls and toys with illumination features are often difficult to assemble, include unnecessary parts, and do not provide distinctive illumination patterns, making them less appealing for use in darkened environments.
Innovation Solution
An air-tight object with a patterned illuminated surface is designed, featuring an outer layer with greater opacity than the inner layer, which includes a light module that emits light through apertures to create aesthetically pleasing patterns, and can be activated by user input such as bouncing or spinning, using materials like thermoplastic rubber and polyvinyl chloride for durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If recreational balls include illumination devices that activate in reaction to user input, then the balls can be used in darkened environments, but the balls become difficult to assemble and include unnecessary parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination device with the ball structure by integrating the light source into the inner layer and using the outer layer's aperture to project the illumination pattern. This merging eliminates separate assembly steps and removes unnecessary components while maintaining the ability to illuminate in dark environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer serves multiple functions: it provides the ball's structural integrity, defines the aperture for light projection, and creates the illumination pattern when light passes through it. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining versatility for dark environment use.
2Illumination intensity
If recreational balls include illumination devices, then they can provide illumination in dark environments, but they do not provide distinctive illumination patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The outer layer is designed with a specific aperture pattern that creates distinctive illumination shapes when light passes through it. Different aperture configurations (circles, stars, geometric patterns) provide varied distinctive patterns while maintaining strong illumination capability in dark environments.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, aesthetically appealing, and functional recreational ball that can be identified in dark environments, while being inexpensive, safe, and durable for play, with the light module reacting to user input to enhance usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light module that sends light from an interior of the air-tight object through the aperture of the outer layer
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.