Inflatable HDPE Games Wall with Scoring Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional indoor games lack physical exercise and mental stimulation, and existing outdoor games do not effectively combine physical activity with mental challenges, limiting their educational and health benefits for players.

Innovation Solution

A games apparatus featuring a playing wall with targets of varying values, allowing players to kick or throw balls at the wall, incorporating elements like rotatable metal discs, touch-sensitive targets, and adjustable game rules to promote physical exercise and mental stimulation, suitable for outdoor play and adaptable to different weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional indoor games are used, then mental stimulation is provided, but physical exercise is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemental stimulationVSAvoidphysical exercise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms traditional indoor table games into outdoor wall-based games by changing the playing surface from horizontal (table) to vertical (wall), allowing players to kick or throw balls at targets mounted on the wall. This dimensional change enables full-body physical activity while maintaining the mental engagement of target selection and scoring strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the game by using a flexible HDPE playing wall that can be inflated or deflated, changing the firmness and responsiveness of the target surface. This parameter change allows adaptation to different skill levels and provides varied physical feedback while maintaining mental engagement through scoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If traditional outdoor games are used, then physical exercise is provided, but mental stimulation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical exerciseVSAvoidmental stimulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The playing wall serves multiple functions: it provides a physical target for kicking/throwing (physical exercise), displays scored values for mental calculation, incorporates rotatable elements for strategic planning, and can be used by multiple players simultaneously. This multi-functionality combines physical activity with mental engagement in a single apparatus.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where targets display numerical values that players must track and calculate scores for, providing immediate visual feedback on successful strikes. This feedback loop requires mental arithmetic and strategic thinking while maintaining physical activity through repeated kicking/throwing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the playing wall is made durable and vandal-proof, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability and vandal resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as the primary material for the playing wall, which provides exceptional durability, vandal resistance, and weatherproofing. HDPE is a composite polymer material that combines strength, flexibility, and resistance to degradation, achieving high reliability without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The playing wall is constructed as a flexible inflatable structure made from HDPE, allowing it to withstand impact and vandalism while maintaining integrity. The flexible nature of the inflated wall absorbs impacts and resists damage better than rigid structures, simplifying manufacturing while enhancing durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2600947B1Games apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 PLAYINNOVATION
  • EP2600947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2600947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2600947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Ball games apparatus for use by two or more players, comprises a playing wall with a plurality of targets arranged across at least one face of said playing wall, each target having a particular value associated therewith. In use, a player aims by kicking or throwing a ball or the like at the playing wall and scores points to the value of the target that is struck. The targets may correspond to balls of a conventional pool or snooker game, providing a similar scoring system to the table-based game but at the same time encouraging participation in physical activity. Added complexity is provided by means of ground markers randomly selected to denote which of a series of positions relative to the playing wall from which a player takes aim.