Decorative Object with Gravity-Responsive Movable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative objects, such as watch crystals and jewelry, lack a dynamic and attractive appearance that changes with orientation relative to the gravity vector, failing to provide a visually engaging experience.
Innovation Solution
A decorative object comprising a first and second plate with pockets containing movable elements, where the pockets have stable positions defined by rounded or pointed corners, and an actuator system that adjusts the volume of these pockets to modify the arrangement of movable elements, such as balls, creating a variable and attractive visual effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable elements are placed in pockets without stable position features, then the decorative object has simple structure, but the appearance is not dynamic or engaging
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative object is divided into multiple pockets, each capable of independently holding movable elements in stable positions. This segmentation allows each pocket to contribute to the overall dynamic appearance while maintaining a relatively simple individual structure, resolving the contradiction between visual variability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pockets are designed with asymmetric corner features (rounded or pointed) that create stable positions for movable elements. This asymmetric geometry is simple to manufacture yet effectively creates the desired dynamic visual effect as elements settle into corners, addressing both aesthetic requirements and manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pockets have fixed volume, then the structure is simple, but the arrangement of movable elements cannot be controlled or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket volume is made variable through an actuator system that can expand and contract the pockets. This dynamic volume adjustment allows control over movable element arrangement - when pockets expand, elements can be added or rearranged; when contracted, elements are contained in specific configurations. The mechanical advantage of the actuator system minimizes the complexity of the actuation mechanism while achieving effective volume control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If movable elements are allowed to move freely, then the object has simple structure, but the positions are not consistent or stable for visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The movable elements self-organize into stable positions within the pockets due to the corner features designed in the pocket geometry. Gravity causes spherical elements to naturally settle into the rounded or pointed corners, creating consistent visual patterns without requiring additional stabilizing mechanisms. This self-organizing behavior achieves position stability while maintaining simple pocket structures.
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 solution provides a decorative object with a dynamic appearance that changes based on orientation, enhancing visual appeal by ensuring the movable elements occupy stable positions consistently, and allowing for controlled modification of their arrangement through the actuator system, thereby creating a unique and captivating visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
the marbles can move under the influence of gravity within the recess, following its shape and revealing its geometry
Implementation Method 2
having a refractive index that is substantially the same as at least said second plate
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Decorative object (1) comprising: - a first plate (3); - a second plate (5) fixed to said first plate (3), said second plate (5) being at least partially transparent; - a plurality of pockets (7, 7a) located in at least one of said plates (3, 5) and/or between said plates (3, 5); - at least one movable element (11) located in each of at least some of said pockets (7, 7a). According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of said pockets (7a) have two interior corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3) providing at least two stable positions for a corresponding movable element (11) located in said corresponding pocket (7a), said stable positions being defined for at least two orientations of said decorative object (1) when the latter is oriented with respect to the gravity vector such that said corresponding movable element (11) is located in one of said corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3).