LED Balloon Internal Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED balloons with exterior-mounted LED devices are cumbersome, difficult to manufacture, and visible external connections put stress on the balloon skin, limiting their usage and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
An LED device with a locking mechanism is secured inside the balloon, using a filler to enclose the balloon skin and conceal the LED components, ensuring a seamless integration with no external clamps or parts visible, powered by batteries with an insulating strip for circuit completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED devices are mounted outside the balloon opening, then illumination effects are achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The LED device is nested inside the balloon cavity rather than mounted externally. The hollow cavity of the locking device contains the LED components, which are concealed within the balloon's interior space, eliminating external mounting structures while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED device is extracted from the traditional external mounting position and relocated to the interior of the balloon. This extraction allows the illumination source to be hidden within the balloon structure, simplifying the external appearance and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If LED devices are secured to the interior of the balloon using exterior clips or O-rings, then the LED is held in place, but the connection is difficult to manufacture and creates visible external parts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of securing the LED from the exterior with clips or O-rings, the locking device is inverted to secure the LED from the interior. The hollow cavity of the locking device, positioned inside the balloon, contains and secures the LED components without requiring external fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon skin itself is utilized as the securing mechanism. The skin of the balloon encloses the filler and is trapped inside the locking device cavity, creating a secure connection through the flexible balloon material rather than rigid external clips.
3Reliability
If exterior clips or O-rings are used to secure the LED, then the LED is held in place, but stress is placed on the balloon skin
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is inverted from exterior to interior mounting. The locking device with hollow cavity is positioned inside the balloon, allowing the LED to be secured without external clips that would concentrate stress on the balloon skin at the mounting points.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler acts as a cushioning element between the locking device and the balloon skin. The filler is pressed against the exterior skin and enclosed in the locking device cavity, distributing the securing force and preventing direct stress concentration on the balloon skin.
4Shape
If the LED device is fully concealed inside the balloon, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device performs multiple functions: it secures the LED components, contains the filler, and interfaces with the balloon skin through its hollow cavity. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device merges the functions of LED mounting, filler containment, and balloon skin interface into a single integrated component. The hollow cavity structure combines the mounting chamber and sealing interface, simplifying the overall concealed design.
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 allows for a fully concealed LED illumination within the balloon, maintaining its functionality and appearance like a regular balloon while providing internal lighting, enhancing usability and manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
A LED device with locking device is placed inside and at the bottom of a balloon
Implementation Method 2
The filler is pressed against the exterior skin at the bottom of the balloon, such that the skin of the balloon encloses the filler
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a LED balloon which comprises a balloon (10), a filler (7, 11), a locking device and a LED (8). Wherein the locking device is on the interior of the balloon (10), and said filler (7, 11) is on the exterior of the balloon (10). The locking device comprises two sides which define an internal a cavity (2-0) within the locking device. The filler (7, 11) is secured within the cavity of the locking device, thereby securing the balloon to the locking device. A LED is connected to the locking device, providing illumination of the balloon from within.