Interchangeable LED Balloon Shaft With Airtight Locking Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable balloon toys lack interchangeable balloons, durable materials, and integrated LED lighting that synchronizes with sound, leading to short lifespan and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
An illuminating balloon toy with a hollow shaft containing LED strips and prismatic reflectors, a speaker, and a removable inflatable balloon that allows for interchangeable and airtight attachment, enabling synchronized LED illumination and sound playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing balloon toys use simple attachment methods, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the balloon leaks air over time and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a balloon attachment mechanism with clamp and bar, and a removable balloon. This segmentation allows the balloon to be securely attached while maintaining the ability to remove and replace it, resolving the contradiction between simple attachment and reliable airtight sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses a dynamic clamp that can be opened and closed to secure the balloon. This dynamic element allows for easy attachment and removal while maintaining a secure, airtight connection when closed, enabling both ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing balloon toys use non-durable materials, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the balloon pops easily and has short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is constructed from durable, puncture-resistant material that combines strength with flexibility. This material selection resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of manufacture through standard fabrication processes and enhanced durability to prevent popping during use.
3Device complexity
If existing toys include LEDs without prismatic reflectors, then device complexity is reduced, but unique light patterns and user interaction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Prismatic reflectors are strategically positioned around the LED to create specific light patterns in different directions. This local addition of optical elements enhances light pattern variety and user interaction without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If balloons are not easily removable, then reliability of connection is improved, but interchangeability and reusability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a dynamic clamp that can be opened and closed to secure the balloon. This dynamic element allows for easy attachment and removal while maintaining a secure, airtight connection when closed, enabling both ease of manufacture and reliability.
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 toy provides durable, reusable balloons with interchangeable options, creating animated light patterns and synchronized sound effects, enhancing user interaction and toy longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second prismatic reflector are secured around the first and second LED strips, which creates a unique prismatic pattern within the balloon and the shaft when the first and second LED strips are illuminated
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating toy with an attachable inflatable balloon. The toy includes a housing secured to a hollow shaft. The inflatable balloon is attachable around the hollow shaft. The balloon includes a sleeve, which extends around a connector secured around the shaft. This hollow sleeve is secured in place via a female and mated locking collar, which lock around the sleeve and the shaft securing the balloon in place. The shaft and the balloon both include LED strips secured therein, which are surrounded by prismatic reflectors.