Collapsible Decoy Using Shape Memory Polymer for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional waterfowl decoys are bulky, making them difficult to transport and store, and existing collapsible decoys require assembly and disassembly, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible decoy made from shape memory polymer material that automatically returns to its original shape when compressed, featuring a hollow body with a thicker keel for self-righting and outrigger portions for stability, allowing for easy transportation and rapid deployment without assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional decoys are made with solid construction for durability, then strength is improved, but volume and weight increase making them difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The decoy body is constructed from a collapsible shape memory polymer material that forms a thin-walled hollow structure. This flexible shell can be compressed to a fraction of its original volume for transport, then automatically returns to its full shape when deployed, eliminating the need for solid construction while maintaining durability through the material's shape memory properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a shape memory polymer material that changes its physical parameters (volume, shape, rigidity) in response to temperature or other environmental stimuli. The material transitions from a compressed low-volume state during transport to an expanded full-volume operational state, providing both compact storage and structural integrity without increasing weight or requiring assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If existing collapsible decoys are designed to be compressed for transport, then volume is reduced, but assembly and disassembly become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The decoy employs a shape memory polymer material that automatically returns to its original shape when the compressive force is released, eliminating the need for manual assembly or disassembly operations. The material's inherent shape memory property performs the reconstruction function autonomously, saving time and effort especially in low-light hunting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly mechanisms (hinges, clips, fasteners) with a material-based solution using shape memory polymers. Instead of requiring mechanical operations to reassemble the decoy, the material itself performs the reconstruction through its shape memory effect, substituting a passive material property for an active mechanical system.
3Weight of moving object
If the decoy body is made hollow to reduce weight and volume, then ease of transport is improved, but stability and self-righting capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the wall thickness and material density in specific critical areas (the lower portion and keel region) while keeping other areas thin-walled. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary weight for stability and self-righting capability without increasing the overall weight and volume of the entire decoy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoy employs an asymmetric wall thickness distribution, with a significantly thicker lower portion and keel compared to the thinner upper body. This asymmetric construction creates an uneven weight distribution that lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability and self-righting properties while maintaining the hollow lightweight structure.
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 decoy can be compressed for storage and transport, then expands to its original shape for use, providing effective attraction and stability on water without the need for assembly, enhancing hunting efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the decoy body is constructed of a collapsible shape memory polymer material having an initial volume that collapses under a compressive force to form a second volume that is less than the initial volume, and wherein upon release of the compressive force, the decoy body returns to the initial volume
Implementation Method 2
the lower portion of the decoy body includes an integral keel having a greater thickness than the wall to form a concentrated mass in the lower portion
Data Source
AI summary
A decoy comprising a decoy body having an upper portion shaped to resemble water fowl and a lower portion extending downward from the upper portion; the decoy body including an outer wall defining a cavity therein, wherein the decoy body is constructed of a collapsible shape memory polymer material having an initial volume that collapses under a compressive force to form a second volume that is less than the initial volume, and wherein upon release of the compressive force, the decoy body returns to the initial volume; the lower portion of the decoy body includes an integral keel having a greater thickness than the wall to form a concentrated mass in the lower portion.