Electrostatic Levitation for Organic Show Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for creating levitating objects in live shows are unreliable and fail to provide a natural, organic appearance, especially for small flying objects like flying jellyfish, as they are often loud and bulkier than desired, making them unsuitable for intimate settings and lacking the desired ephemeral quality.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic levitation system using an array of high-voltage Van de Graaff generators with independently controlled electrostatic generators and a controller to create a static charge, allowing for controlled and stable levitation of lightweight objects with adjustable flight paths and heights, mimicking organic movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If motorized flying objects like quadcopters are used, then controlled flight is achieved, but the objects become loud and bulky, ruining the organic appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled flightVSAvoidbulk and mechanical appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces motorized mechanical flight systems with an electrostatic field-based levitation system. An array of electrostatic generators creates controllable electric fields that levitate and maneuver lightweight charged objects without mechanical propellers or motors, eliminating noise and mechanical bulk while maintaining controlled flight capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system independently controls the voltage parameters of multiple electrostatic generators to dynamically adjust the electrostatic forces acting on the levitated object. By varying voltage magnitudes and polarities across different generators, the system achieves precise control over the object's position and movement trajectory without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If electrostatic generators are used to levitate objects, then quiet and organic appearance is achieved, but control over flight patterns and positioning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and mechanical appearanceVSAvoidcontrol over flight patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the control of the levitated object into multiple independent electrostatic generators arranged in an array. Each generator can be independently controlled to manage specific aspects of the object's levitation and movement, enabling precise spatial control through coordinated adjustment of individual generator voltages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors to detect the position and motion of levitated objects in real-time and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the voltage outputs of electrostatic generators based on this feedback to maintain desired flight patterns and correct positional deviations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Force

If high voltage is used for electrostatic levitation, then lifting force is sufficient, but safety risks increase for audience members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic lifting forceVSAvoidsafety risks from high voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system concentrates high voltage electrostatic fields in localized regions directly above each generator where levitation is needed, while maintaining lower voltage levels in surrounding areas. This localized field concentration provides sufficient lifting force at the target location while minimizing safety risks to audience members in adjacent spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system enables quiet, stable, and controlled levitation of objects, providing an organic and magical appearance, suitable for various settings, including intimate environments, by using electrostatic forces to lift and maneuver objects in a natural and graceful manner.

Implementation Method 1

when positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS8915790B2Large-area controlled electrostatic levitation of lightweight show objects

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A system for electrostatically levitating an object with a body adapted for receiving a static charge. The system includes an array of at least three electrostatic generators, with each of the electrostatic generators including an exposed element that becomes statically charged during operation of the array. The system also includes a controller operating to generate control signals to the array to independently operate each of the electrostatic generators to provide the static charge at first, second, and third voltages. When positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s). Each of the electrostatic generators is a high voltage Van de Graaff generator. The first, second, and third voltages are in the range of 0 to 300,000 volts and are varied over time to direct the levitated object along a flight path by the controller.