Confetti Projector Using SCUBA Gas and Wheeled Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing confetti projectors require hazardous carbon dioxide gas and have difficulties with transporting the gas canister, limiting their usability and safety.

Innovation Solution

A confetti projector design utilizing a support frame with wheels, a housing containing a hopper and discharge portion, and a gas canister with piping that uses non-hazardous SCUBA quality gas, allowing for easy transportation and operation by adjusting the valve to draw a vacuum and project confetti.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If carbon dioxide gas is used to operate the confetti projector, then the projection function is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to the hazardous nature of carbon dioxide

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidhazardous gas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the gas type parameter from hazardous carbon dioxide to non-hazardous alternatives such as compressed air, nitrogen, or helium. This substitution maintains the vacuum generation function while eliminating safety hazards associated with carbon dioxide handling and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the gas canister is integrated with the projection device, then operation is simplified, but transportation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtransportation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into separable components: the projection device and the gas canister. The gas canister can be detached and replaced independently, allowing the main device to be transported more easily while still providing simplified operation when assembled together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual valve adjustment is used to control gas flow, then operation flexibility is achieved, but precision control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidvalve control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with electronic control systems including solenoid valves and pressure regulators. These components provide precise control of gas flow rates and vacuum levels through electrical signals, enabling accurate and repeatable projection performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the use of environmentally friendly and non-hazardous gas for confetti projection, facilitating easy transportation of the gas canister and improving operational safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

gas to exit the gas canister and enter the discharge tube to draw a vacuum in the discharge tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS8951094B2Confetti projector

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 ROPELEWSKI JOSEPH D

AI summary

In one arrangement, a confetti projector may be operated using SCUBA quality gas. In another arrangement, a confetti projector may include a support frame having a storage surface that is used to support, and thus transport, one or more gas canisters.