Flexible Strip Kinetic Device Modular Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current kinetic entertainment devices lack versatility in configuring motion shapes and fail to maintain a consistent kinetic form once excited, limiting their dynamic range and user engagement.

Innovation Solution

A kinetic entertainment device comprising one or more strips of flexible material attached to bases, allowing manipulation into various static configurations that transform into corresponding kinetic shapes upon excitation, utilizing adjustable collars, magnetic bases, and interlocking handles to create a wide range of motion patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional kinetic devices use simple spring structures, then they are easy to manufacture, but they lack versatility in configuring motion shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in configuring motion shapesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple identical modular units, each containing a strip attached to a base. These modular segments can be arranged in various configurations to create different kinetic shapes, providing versatility while maintaining simple, repeatable manufacturing processes for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each modular unit is designed to be universal and interchangeable with others. The standardized strip and base configuration allows the same component to serve multiple functions in different arrangements, enabling diverse kinetic shape configurations without requiring specialized parts for each shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional kinetic devices allow free movement, then they are easy to operate, but they fail to maintain a consistent kinetic form during motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of kinetic form during motionVSAvoidease of excitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic elements where the strip can move and change configuration during operation. The strip is designed to maintain its kinetic form through controlled movement patterns, allowing it to transition between states while preserving the essential shape characteristics during motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The kinetic form is maintained by controlling key parameters such as strip length, base positioning, and attachment angles. By carefully selecting and maintaining these parameters within specific ranges, the device preserves consistent kinetic shapes during motion while still allowing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If kinetic devices use fixed configurations, then they maintain stable shapes, but they lack dynamic range and user engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidshape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses segmented modular units that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows users to create various stable configurations while maintaining the ability to transition between them, providing both dynamic range and shape stability through controlled reconfiguration of the modular segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the creation of diverse, engaging kinetic shapes and motion patterns that maintain their form during movement, enhancing user interaction and entertainment value through adjustable configurations and materials.

Implementation Method 1

a strip of flat, elongated, flexible material having a first and second end... being adapted to be manipulated into one or more static configurations, the one or more static configurations each having a corresponding kinetic shape once excited into movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2969086B1Kinetic entertainment device, kit and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 GONGOLAS CHRISTOPHER JOHN
  • EP2969086B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2969086B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2969086B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3

AI summary

A kinetic entertainment device comprises one or more elongated flexible strips anchored to a surface either directly or via a base. As a result, the strip can be modified into a desired static shape and, upon excitation, a corresponding kinetic (i.e., motion) shape.