Lighted Ball Tube Display Using Pneumatic Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighted moving ball display systems are limited in application, adaptability, complexity, and bulkiness, failing to provide innovative and versatile visual displays.
Innovation Solution
A lighted moving ball display system featuring a network of clear plastic tubes and spirals with a lifting mechanism, powered by electrical tracks or wireless power transmission, allowing lighted balls to move through a medium and create dynamic visual effects, adaptable to various configurations such as Christmas trees, fountains, or barbershop poles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting methods are used for decorative displays, then the setup is simple and reliable, but the visual engagement and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is designed to be adaptable to multiple configurations including Christmas trees, fountains, and barbershop poles through a universal lifting mechanism and tube network that can be arranged in different patterns. The system can display various types of balls (lighted, hollow, solid) and accommodate different media (air, water), making it multi-functional across different decorative applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including moving balls that travel through tubes, changing light patterns, and adjustable lifting mechanisms. The balls can be propelled upward and allowed to fall back down, creating continuous motion. The display can transition between different operational modes and configurations, providing dynamic visual engagement rather than static decoration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lifting mechanism is added to create dynamic visual effects, then the visual engagement is enhanced, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles to propel balls upward through the tubes. Compressed air or water pressure is used to launch the balls, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lifting devices. This approach reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the desired dynamic visual effect of balls rising and falling through the display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical lifting systems are replaced with alternative mechanisms such as pneumatic propulsion, magnetic fields, or gravity-assisted systems. The balls are launched upward using non-mechanical or simplified mechanisms and then allowed to fall back down under gravity, reducing the complexity of continuous lifting mechanisms while maintaining dynamic visual engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical tracks or wireless power transmission are used to power lighted balls, then the adaptability and visual effects are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional wired electrical connections are replaced with wireless power transmission methods such as electromagnetic induction or radio frequency energy transfer. This eliminates the need for physical electrical tracks and wiring within the display structure, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling power delivery to moving balls. The wireless approach provides greater adaptability in ball design and movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is designed to automatically provide energy to balls as they move through the display without requiring manual intervention or complex switching mechanisms. Wireless power transmission enables balls to be powered autonomously as they pass through designated zones, and the system self-regulates power distribution based on ball presence and position, reducing control complexity.
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 system provides a continuous, visually engaging display of moving lighted balls, enhancing decorative and entertainment applications with flexibility in design and power management, replacing traditional lighting methods and offering unique visual effects.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting mechanism configured to lift the plurality of lighted balls to a top portion of the medium
Implementation Method 2
wherein the plurality of lighted balls move from the top portion through the medium to a bottom portion
Implementation Method 3
powered by electrical tracks or wireless power transmission
Implementation Method 4
lighted balls configured to move through a medium
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted moving ball display system configured to provide a visual display, including a plurality of lighted balls; wherein the lighted balls include a light emitting device; a ball power module and a housing. The system includes a medium having a plurality of clear plastic tubes, spirals, tracks, or spouts; wherein the lighted balls moves therethrough. The system also includes a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lighted balls to a top portion of the medium; and a loading mechanism in communication with the collection chamber and configured to load the lighted balls into the lifting mechanism. The system includes a power module configured to provide power to the modules and components of the system. The system further includes a circulation mechanism configured to circulate the lighted balls through the medium; wherein the circulation mechanism includes a pressurized air system configured to project air through the medium during operation.