Inflatable Ornament with Internal Lighting and Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holiday ornaments are typically small and not designed for outdoor use or internal illumination, limiting their size and functionality for decorative purposes.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable, resilient plastic polymer globe with a plastic-coated topper and hanger, equipped with a closure mechanism, light source, and powered by internal or external batteries or solar panels, allowing for efficient storage and durable outdoor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional holiday ornaments are made small in size, then they are easier to store and handle, but they cannot be used for outdoor decoration or internal illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The ornament employs an inflatable structure that can dynamically change its state between deflated (for storage) and inflated (for display). This dynamic transformation allows the ornament to achieve large outdoor display sizes while maintaining compact storage dimensions, effectively resolving the contradiction between size and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the ornament material from a rigid small-scale structure to an inflatable flexible structure. By altering the material state and introducing air pressure as a variable, the ornament can expand to large dimensions suitable for outdoor use and illumination while remaining collapsible for storage.
2Strength
If traditional ornaments are made of rigid materials like glass or metal, then they maintain structural integrity, but they cannot be deflated for storage or used outdoors
Solution Approach 1:
The ornament utilizes a flexible polymer shell structure that can maintain structural integrity when inflated while allowing the entire structure to be deflated and collapsed for storage. This flexible shell replaces traditional rigid materials, enabling both structural strength during use and ease of storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces pneumatic inflation as the structural support mechanism, replacing rigid materials. Air pressure provides the necessary structural integrity when inflated, while the absence of air allows complete deflation for compact storage, achieving both strength and storage efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ornaments are designed for indoor use only, then they can be made decorative, but they cannot be used outdoors or on live trees
Solution Approach 1:
The ornament employs composite construction combining a resilient polymer inflatable structure with UV-resistant coating and integrated lighting systems. This composite approach provides durability for outdoor conditions while maintaining decorative qualities, enabling reliable outdoor and live tree usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ornament incorporates self-contained features including integrated lighting systems with batteries and UV-resistant materials that automatically protect the structure. These self-service features ensure reliable outdoor performance without requiring external protection or maintenance.
4Length of moving object
If ornaments are made large in size for outdoor display, then they provide better visibility and decoration, but they occupy more storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable ornament dynamically transforms between a compact deflated state for storage and a large expanded state for display. This dynamic volume change allows the ornament to occupy minimal storage space while achieving large display dimensions when inflated, resolving the contradiction between display size and storage volume.
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 large, durable, and versatile holiday decoration that can be inflated to several feet in circumference, deflated for storage, and internally illuminated, suitable for outdoor use and efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is an inflatable, resilient, plastic polymer globe
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an inflatable globe having a generally round shape and circumference of between 2 feet and 10 feet. An attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism are coupled to the top of the inflatable globe. A topper is configured to fit over the attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism. A hanger is threaded through the attachment pin, plug or closure mechanism and then through the topper. An electric light coupled to the plug is suspended inside the globe. The inflatable globe is made of a resilient polymer material and can be monochromatic or comprise a plurality of colors.