Electromechanical Clock Display With Gravity-Routed Moving Disks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems lack innovation, panache, and showmanship in integrating time-telling functionality with artistic or entertaining features, particularly in electromechanical clocks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled electromechanical display system using gravity-assisted movement of physical display elements such as disks, tokens, or marbles, controlled by a controller that utilizes servo motors, color sensors, and vacuum forces to create dynamic and visually appealing time displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical movable objects are used as display elements, then artistic and entertaining features are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent physical display elements (disks, tokens, or marbles) that can be individually positioned and controlled. Each element represents a segment of the overall display, allowing complex time information to be conveyed through simple, manageable physical components arranged in specific patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of physical objects rather than static displays. Display elements are moved to different locations and orientations to represent changing time information, creating a living, evolving display that adapts to the current time. This dynamic approach enhances artistic expression while managing complexity through programmed motion sequences.
2Ease of operation
If gravity-assisted movement is used for display elements, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes gravity by arranging display elements and pathways at different vertical levels. Elements roll or fall naturally along gravity-assisted pathways from higher to lower positions, eliminating the need for active propulsion mechanisms. This gravity-based approach simplifies operation while requiring precise manufacturing of pathways and positioning structures to ensure accurate element movement and placement.
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 system provides a novel, visually compelling, and entertaining way to display time, updating portions of the clock display every minute with a mesmerizing movement of elements, enhancing user experience through artistic and aesthetic attributes.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is coupled to the recovery area. The vacuum source causes elements to be moved from the display area to the recovery area.
Implementation Method 2
display elements such as disks, tokens, or marbles, controlled by a controller that utilizes servo motors, color sensors, and vacuum forces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that enable populating and updating a display comprising display elements that comprise movable physical objects. These may include, for example, devices and algorithms for setting and updating a clock display that comprises display elements comprising plastic disks that roll through a system of ramps, tracks, and/or enclosed areas as they move through the system under the effects of gravity and other forces provided by energy sources. A computerized controller uses a color sensor at the front of a queue of display elements to identify the next display element to be placed within the system, so as to route it to a specified location, based on computerized control of an appropriate set of servo motors to rotate to open or closed positions depending on the current state of the system and its next-state requirements. Various combinations of the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented.