Interactive Game Apparatus with Manual Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing use of digital technologies has led to sedentary behavior and a rise in obesity among children and adults, as people become less physically active.

Innovation Solution

An interactive game apparatus designed for outdoor use, featuring a frame with interconnected tubes, interactive elements that require players to move to trigger responses, and a control unit that manages signals and power, including a manually chargeable power unit and optional solar panels or rechargeable batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If interactive elements are dispersed around the playing area to increase physical activity distance, then physical activity level is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical activity levelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game apparatus is divided into multiple independent interactive elements (targets, detection elements, signal generators) distributed around the playing area. Each element functions autonomously to detect player actions and provide feedback, allowing the system to encourage comprehensive physical activity without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it coordinates dispersed interactive elements, processes detection signals from various positions, manages power distribution to multiple components, and controls signal generation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the distributed architecture of interactive elements.

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

2Loss of time

If a manually chargeable power unit is added to provide energy self-sufficiency, then energy independence is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy independenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game apparatus includes a manually chargeable power unit (such as a hand-crank generator or piezoelectric element) that allows players to recharge the battery through physical exercise during gameplay. This self-service mechanism enables the system to generate its own energy without external power sources, achieving energy independence while keeping the power generation integrated into the game structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power generation function is merged with the game structure itself - the manual charging mechanism is physically integrated into the frame or interactive elements. This combination means the power unit serves dual purposes: it provides necessary energy to the system and simultaneously encourages physical activity as part of the game experience, thereby justifying the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If interactive elements are placed at variable heights to increase game difficulty, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame difficulty adjustmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interactive elements are mounted on adjustable-height supports or telescopic poles that allow the height of targets and detection elements to be dynamically changed during gameplay. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different skill levels and game scenarios without requiring completely different apparatus configurations, maintaining versatility while using straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4541433A1Interactive game apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SCHEEPSSERVICE INSTALLATIETECHNIEK J DE JONG BV
  • EP4541433A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541433A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4541433A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an interactive game apparatus, in particular for outdoor use, comprising: a plurality of interactive elements, comprising: at least one target configured to activate a target signal, and at least one detection element configured to detect a player, and to consequently generate a responsive signal, and a control unit connected to the interactive elements for controlling the target signals and for processing the responsive signals.