Edible Inflatable Soft Robots Using Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park attractions lack interactive robotic features that can be physically contacted and consumed by guests, as traditional robots are not designed for disposability and consumption.
Innovation Solution
Edible soft robots, such as pneumatic or hydraulic inflatable objects, are integrated with control systems to create dynamic movements and sensory experiences, including actuation, lighting, sound, and taste, and can be incorporated into food containers for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic features are used in amusement park attractions, then interactive and motion experiences are enhanced, but the systems become costly and unsuitable for disposable or consumable products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by creating edible inflatable objects that are disposable and consumable. Instead of using expensive, complex traditional robotic systems, the invention uses inexpensive edible materials (like marshmallows or gelatin-based structures) that can be inflated and then consumed by guests, eliminating the need for costly maintenance and replacement of traditional robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using inflatable structures filled with gas to create the robotic-like motion and interaction. The edible objects are inflated to achieve desired shapes and movements, providing interactive experiences without complex mechanical systems. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If edible materials are used to create consumable robotic features, then guest consumption and disposal issues are resolved, but the ability to provide dynamic movement and interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation of edible materials to achieve dynamic movement and shape changes. By controlling the inflation of gas within the edible structure, the system creates robotic-like motion and interaction capabilities while maintaining the disposability and consumability of the edible material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the physical state of the edible material through inflation and deflation cycles. By changing the volume and pressure parameters of the edible structure, dynamic movement and interaction are achieved without compromising the material's edibility or disposability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable objects are used as edible soft robots, then interactive sensory experiences are enhanced, but the structural stability and composition reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the reduced structural stability as a trade-off for disposability. The edible inflatable objects are designed to be stable enough for their intended short-term interactive use, after which they are consumed or disposed of, eliminating the need for long-term structural reliability that would require complex stabilization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite edible materials that combine structural integrity with edibility. By using composite structures (such as layered gelatin or marshmallow compositions), the objects achieve sufficient stability for interaction while maintaining their consumable nature, balancing structural requirements with the disposable concept.
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 amusement park experiences by providing interactive, immersive sensory experiences through edible robotic systems that can be physically interacted with and consumed, expanding the narrative and enjoyment.
Implementation Method 1
edible soft robots, such as pneumatic or hydraulic inflatable objects
Data Source
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AI summary
An edible soft robot system comprises an interactive surface comprising a plurality of elements arranged in an array, and a plurality of edible inflatable objects disposed on the interactive surface, wherein each individual edible inflatable object is in contact with at least one element of the plurality of elements. The edible soft robot system further comprises a control system configured to control activation of the plurality of elements to cause at least one edible inflatable object of the plurality of edible inflatable objects to actuate.