Dynamic Ribbon Arena Assembly for Varied Tabletop Battle Gameplay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battle games lose entertainment value over time due to repetitive gameplay, leading to staleness.

Innovation Solution

A tabletop battle game featuring a base assembly that moves across a surface, with retractable ribbons defining an arena that dynamically changes size and shape in response to user interaction, incorporating movable components and interactive elements like flippers and target zones to enhance gameplay dynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional battle games are used, then the game structure is simple and easy to understand, but the entertainment value diminishes over time due to repetitive gameplay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentertainment valueVSAvoidgame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a game board with movable walls that can change position during gameplay. These walls dynamically alter the playing field configuration, creating new challenges and preventing repetitive gameplay patterns. The movable components allow the game structure to adapt and evolve during play, maintaining entertainment value while managing complexity through mechanical rather than electronic means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the game structure remains static, then the device complexity is low, but the gameplay becomes repetitive and stale

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay varietyVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game board is segmented into multiple independent sections with movable walls that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows different portions of the board to be independently configured, creating varied gameplay scenarios. The modular wall segments can be arranged in different patterns, providing gameplay variety without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire game structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable components are added to create dynamic gameplay, then entertainment value increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay dynamicsVSAvoidcomponents
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable walls are designed with self-service characteristics through gravity-based or spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically return walls to their original positions after being moved. This eliminates the need for complex motorized systems or manual resetting by players, providing dynamic gameplay elements while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through passive mechanical designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4729139A1Tabletop battle game
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 TOMY INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4729139A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4729139A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4729139A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A base assembly includes a base and at least one ribbon. The base is configured to move across a surface. The base includes a target zone configured to be hit by a gameplay object. The at least one ribbon is configured to expand and retract and connect to a connection point. The at least one ribbon at least partially defines an arena. The at least one ribbon expands or retracts in response to movement of the base, thereby dynamically changing at least one of a size of the arena or a shape of the arena.