Annular LED Light Array for Bag Toss Game Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bag toss games like Cornhole are typically designed for outdoor daylight play, but evening play under low ambient light conditions is challenging due to inadequate lighting, which can detract from the ambiance and hinder gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A light array featuring an annular printed circuit board supporting LEDs and optionally laser diodes is integrated into the platform to provide targeted illumination of the opening, enhancing visibility without significantly altering the surrounding ambiance, including features for varying illumination patterns and a crosshair pattern using laser diodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sufficient lighting is provided for evening play, then visibility of the opening is improved, but the surrounding ambiance is significantly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system uses targeted illumination focused specifically on the opening area through strategically positioned lights, rather than general ambient lighting. This localized approach provides sufficient visibility for gameplay while minimizing disruption to the overall outdoor ambiance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into multiple separate light sources positioned at different locations around the platform. This segmentation allows each light to contribute only to the necessary illumination of the opening, collectively providing sufficient visibility without any single source creating excessive ambient disruption.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting is used for evening play, then visibility is improved, but convenience and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is integrated directly into the platform structure, combining the game equipment and illumination system into a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate lighting setup, making the system convenient to operate and portable while providing necessary visibility for evening play.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates self-contained lighting powered by integrated power sources such as batteries or power banks. This self-service capability allows the lighting to operate autonomously without requiring external power connections or complex setup procedures, enhancing ease of operation for evening gameplay.
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
Enables safe and enjoyable gameplay under low light conditions by improving visibility of the opening without compromising the aesthetic ambiance of outdoor settings, allowing for consistent play experience across different lighting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A very old bag toss game is Cornhole, also called Corn Toss... A light array featuring an annular printed circuit board supporting LEDs... provide targeted illumination of the opening
Implementation Method 2
Still another feature of the invention resides in the provision of laser diodes for establishing a crosshair pattern in the opening in the platform of a bag toss game
Data Source
AI summary
A light array for illuminating the circular opening in the platform of a bag toss game includes a circular frame and mating cover that define a hole, at least equal in area to the opening. A plurality of lights (LEDs) is positioned in the annular enclosure formed by the frame and cover. The cover includes a transparent wall through which light is projected to the opening in the platform. An annular printed circuit board is supported in the annular enclosure and mechanically supports and electrically connects the LEDs to a switched battery source. Different embodiments for blinking and sequencing the LEDs are shown. A laser diode arrangement for producing a cross hair pattern of beams in the platform hole is also described.