Conductive Jigsaw Puzzle Assembly With Completion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jigsaw puzzles lack additional stimulus and excitement in solving, failing to provide an engaging and rewarding experience beyond revealing a recognizable image.
Innovation Solution
A jigsaw puzzle set where each piece has conductive pads that form a continuous path when assembled, activating an annunciator such as a visual or audible device when the puzzle is completed, using clips or conductive coatings for conductivity, and incorporating a power source and switch for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional jigsaw puzzles are used, then the puzzle can be assembled to reveal an image, but the solving experience lacks additional stimulus and excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical puzzle assembly function with an electrical circuit function into a single integrated system. Conductive pads are embedded in the puzzle pieces and frame, and when pieces are correctly assembled, they form continuous conductive paths that complete an electrical circuit, causing an annunciator to activate. This merging provides both the traditional puzzle-solving experience and additional electrical activation feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pads serve as intermediary elements between the mechanical puzzle pieces and the electrical circuit system. These pads are embedded in the puzzle pieces and frame, acting as mediators that transfer both mechanical contact (for puzzle assembly) and electrical conductivity (for circuit completion) when pieces are correctly positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductive pads are added to puzzle pieces, then electrical activation reward is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pads are pre-embedded into the puzzle pieces and frame during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical circuit components are already in place before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process. The pads are positioned and secured in advance, so that when puzzle pieces are assembled, the conductive connections are automatically established without requiring additional assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous conductive path is formed through puzzle assembly, then annunciator activation provides reward, but contact reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pads are designed as simple, durable contact elements that are embedded in the puzzle pieces and frame. These pads use basic conductive materials and simple contact mechanisms that are reliable for the intended lifespan of the puzzle. The design accepts that the conductive path may degrade over time with repeated assembly and disassembly, but ensures sufficient reliability for the normal usage period of the puzzle.
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
Enhances the solving experience with an additional reward of electrical activation, providing educational and therapeutic benefits while maintaining the conventional 'look and feel' of a jigsaw puzzle.
Implementation Method 1
each of the puzzle pieces comprises two electrically connected conductive pads attached to the side surface, such that when assembled together the pads of adjacent puzzle pieces are in contact, and thus forming a continuous conductive path
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming of two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.