LED-Lit Cornhole Platform Layout for Low-Light Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag toss games like cornhole are challenging to play in low-light conditions due to inadequate lighting, which can detract from the game experience and make it difficult to see the target.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated cornhole platform with LED lights under and around the platform, powered by an underside power supply, providing sufficient lighting without obstructing the player's view of the hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED lights are installed on the cornhole platform to provide illumination, then lighting intensity is improved, but the lights may distract players or affect their vision of the platform surface or hole
Solution Approach 1:
The LED lighting system is segmented into multiple independent wires or strips placed at different locations: one wire under the platform, another around the perimeter, and potentially a third wire on the upper half of the hole. This segmentation allows selective placement of light sources to achieve illumination without direct line-of-sight interference with players' views of the target hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting is moved from the front-facing surface to the underside and perimeter of the platform, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions. By placing LEDs on the underside of the platform and around the perimeter rather than on the playing surface, the light illuminates the platform without being directly visible to players, thus maintaining vision clarity while providing adequate illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If additional lighting apparatuses are provided for evening play, then illumination is improved, but the ambiance of the outdoor party is detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged directly into the cornhole platform structure itself. The platform becomes both the game equipment and the lighting device, with LEDs integrated into its construction. This eliminates the need for separate external lighting apparatus that would disrupt the party ambiance, as the platform's own illumination blends seamlessly with the game setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The cornhole platform provides its own lighting needs through integrated LEDs powered by a battery pack. The platform is self-sufficient for illumination, eliminating dependence on external lighting sources that would detract from the party atmosphere. The platform serves dual purposes: as the game target and as the lighting source.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If LED wires are placed under the platform and around the perimeter, then player vision is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cornhole platform is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the game equipment and as the mounting structure for the lighting system. The existing structural elements of the platform (underside surface, perimeter edges, side walls) are utilized as mounting locations for the LED wires, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or complex installation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes flexible installation methods that accommodate different configurations. LED wires can be attached using various means (adhesive, clips, or other suitable methods) and can be arranged in different patterns (under the platform, around the perimeter, or both). This flexibility allows adaptation to different platform designs and installation preferences without requiring a fixed complex structure.
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
Enables outdoor play in low-light conditions by ensuring players can clearly see the platform and hole, maintaining the game's ambiance and ease of play.
Implementation Method 1
the power supply powering two wires of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated cornhole platform comprising a top portion, at least two side portions, a front portion, a hole portion, at least one leg portion, and a back portion. The cornhole platform is illuminated by one or more illumination sources positioned to illuminate a length concentric to the hole portion of the rectangular portion. Additionally, the one or more illumination sources are light emitting diodes.