Driven Wheel Animated Image Zoetrope Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driven wheels lack the capability to display animated images while rotating, failing to engage users with dynamic visual experiences.
Innovation Solution
A driven wheel with an annular rim member and apertures that supports progressively changing representations, allowing users to view these images as the wheel rotates, utilizing a drive mechanism to impart horizontal force and create a rotating animated effect similar to a zoetrope or praxinoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional driven wheel is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot display animated images while rotating
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple functional components: an annular rim member with apertures, a separate representation strip with progressively changing images, and a drive mechanism. This segmentation allows the animated image display function to be added without completely redesigning the wheel structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular rim member serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the wheel, contains the apertures for viewing images, and supports the representation strip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing the complexity while achieving animated image display capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If apertures are added to the wheel for viewing representations, then animated images can be displayed, but the wheel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The apertures are positioned in the radial dimension of the wheel, allowing viewers to see through the rim member at specific angular positions. This dimensional approach to placing viewing openings adds the image viewing capability without requiring complex internal structures within the rim itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If progressively changing representations are added to create animation, then user engagement increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex three-dimensional animated objects, the invention uses two-dimensional representations that are sequentially arranged on a strip. These flat images are much easier to manufacture and reproduce than volumetric animated elements, yet they create the perception of animation when viewed through the rotating wheel with apertures.
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 an engaging animated image display as the wheel moves, enhancing user interaction and entertainment value in toys such as push-along toys and children's cycles.
Implementation Method 1
an annular rim member with an annular inner surface supporting a series of progressively changing representations and with a series of apertures through which the representations can be seen from outside the rim
Data Source
AI summary
A driven wheel with a rotational axis comprises an annular rim member 13 with an annular inner surface 12 supporting a series of progressively changing representations 17A and with a series of apertures 15 through which the representations can be seen from outside the rim. The driven wheel includes drive means 20 to impart horizontal force to the wheel axis, in use, said wheel can be placed on a surface and said drive means causing the wheel to rotate about its axis as the wheel moves over the surface, the representations providing an animated image when in motion. The wheel takes to form of a zoetrope. The driven wheel may be part of a push along toy (FIG. 1) or a child's tricycle (FIG. 2).