Conductive Jigsaw Puzzle Circuit for Completion Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jigsaw puzzles lack an additional layer of engagement and reward for solvers, as they only provide the satisfaction of reconstructing an image without additional stimulation or feedback upon completion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrically conductive pads and clips into the puzzle pieces, which form a continuous conductive path when correctly assembled, powering an annunciator such as LEDs or audible devices to provide visual or auditory feedback upon successful assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional jigsaw puzzles are used, then the puzzle can be assembled and disassembled easily, but there is no additional reward or feedback mechanism upon completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional jigsaw puzzle with an electrical circuit system by integrating conductive pads into the puzzle pieces and frame. When all pieces are correctly assembled, the conductive pads form a continuous electrical path that activates an annunciator device, providing both the mechanical satisfaction of puzzle assembly and an additional electrical reward mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the completion of the puzzle assembly triggers an electrical response. The conductive pads embedded in the puzzle pieces and frame create a circuit that, when completed through proper assembly, activates visual or audible annunciators to provide immediate feedback and reward to the solver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductive pads and clips are added to puzzle pieces, then an electrical reward mechanism is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical circuit system into discrete segments embedded within individual puzzle pieces. Each puzzle piece contains conductive pads positioned at specific locations, and the frame contains corresponding conductive elements. This segmentation allows the electrical functionality to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than requiring a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pads and clips serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection points for assembling the puzzle pieces together mechanically, and simultaneously serve as electrical contacts to complete the circuit when assembled correctly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical and electrical components.
3Reliability
If conductive elements are integrated into puzzle pieces, then continuous conductive path can be formed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tolerance compensation features in the design of conductive pads and clips. The conductive elements are designed with sufficient surface area and positioning tolerance to accommodate normal manufacturing variations and assembly tolerances, ensuring reliable electrical contact is achieved even with slight misalignments in pad positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pads are designed with enhanced local properties at the contact surfaces, such as increased surface area, improved conductivity, or compliant material characteristics, to ensure reliable electrical connection at the critical interface between puzzle pieces and frame, compensating for potential positioning variations.
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 puzzle-solving experience by adding an electrical reward mechanism, providing an additional layer of engagement, education, and entertainment 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 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.