Illuminated Hockey Puck Assembly With Sealed Wireless Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated hockey pucks require manual manipulation for light control, have openings that compromise the integrity of the puck, and often have limited lighting modes.
Innovation Solution
A unitary, translucent housing encapsulates a lighting system with magnetic induction charging and wireless remote control, featuring programmable LED emitters and capacitive sensors for hands-free operation, ensuring durability and enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used for lighting control and battery replacement, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hockey puck automatically controls its lighting system without manual intervention. The capacitive sensor detects touch inputs and the control circuit automatically manages lighting sequences, battery status, and communication with the remote device, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring manual manipulation for basic operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with electronic and wireless systems. The capacitive sensor substitutes for physical switches, the wireless communication module replaces physical battery compartments and manual controls, and the control circuit provides automated decision-making, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while managing device complexity through integration
2Ease of operation
If openings are added for controls and battery access, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates physical openings by substituting manual access with wireless communication and capacitive sensing. The wireless communication module transmits data through the puck body without requiring physical ports, and the capacitive sensor detects touches through the surface, maintaining the puck's sealed integrity while providing full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The puck's outer surface serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity, provides a playing surface, and acts as a interface for capacitive sensing. The wireless communication system provides both data transmission and power management without requiring physical openings, allowing the puck to maintain its sealed structure while providing comprehensive control access
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single light mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from static to dynamic control, where the control circuit can automatically adjust lighting modes based on game conditions, player preferences, and environmental factors. The system dynamically switches between multiple lighting modes (steady, blinking, chasing patterns) and can adapt to different playing situations without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor provides feedback about player interaction, and the control circuit uses this feedback to automatically adjust lighting modes. The system monitors touch patterns, game progress, and environmental conditions to dynamically select appropriate lighting sequences, providing adaptability while the integrated control logic manages the complexity of multiple modes
4Reliability
If controls are integrated into the puck body, then reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical controls that would compromise structural integrity with wireless communication and capacitive sensing. The wireless communication module enables full control functionality through wireless protocols without requiring physical ports or openings, and the capacitive sensor provides touch control through the puck's outer surface, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication module and capacitive sensor act as intermediaries between the player and the puck's internal systems. These intermediaries enable control access without direct physical contact with internal components, preserving the puck's structural integrity while providing intuitive control through wireless and capacitive interfaces
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 solution provides a durable, user-friendly illuminated hockey puck with programmable lighting effects, improved visibility, and seamless operation without compromising the puck's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A lighting system is mounted within the interior and is encapsulated by the outer surface such that the lighting system is immobilized in the housing. The housing is translucent such that the housing is illuminated by the lighting system when the lighting system emits lights.
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic induction for charging
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated hockey puck assembly includes a housing having an outer surface including a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The illuminated hockey puck assembly has a weight, a shape, and a size comparable to a hockey puck. A lighting system is mounted within the interior and is encapsulated by the outer surface such that the lighting system is immobilized in the housing. The housing is translucent such that the housing is illuminated by the lighting system when the lighting system emits lights.