Interactive Illuminated Toy Using Magnetic Circuit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated toys lack an engaging mechanism to enhance the amusement factor and do not inherently suit their purpose, as they rely on a simple on/off switch for powering the lights.
Innovation Solution
An electrical circuit actuated by connecting and disconnecting two separate halves of a wired shape, such as a heart or star, using neodymium magnets to maintain contact and complete the circuit when joined, turning on the LED lights, and disconnecting when separated, thereby providing an interactive illumination mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple on/off switch is used to control the electrical circuit, then the device is easy to operate, but the amusement factor is reduced and the device does not inherently suit its purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated shape is divided into two separate halves that can be physically separated and reconnected. This segmentation transforms the simple on/off switch into an interactive mechanism where users must physically join the halves to complete the circuit and illuminate the shape, thereby enhancing the amusement factor while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive physical interaction
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical contacts are positioned at the interfaces between the two halves, acting as intermediaries that only make contact when the halves are joined together. This intermediary mechanism automatically completes the electrical circuit through the physical act of joining the halves, eliminating the need for a traditional switch while providing both ease of operation and amusement
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate halves are used to complete the electrical circuit, then the amusement factor is enhanced through interactive illumination, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are integrated into the structure of the two halves themselves, merging the electrical function with the physical structure. When the halves are joined, the contacts automatically connect to complete the circuit, combining the structural and electrical functions into a single integrated mechanism that enhances amusement without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The physical act of joining the two halves automatically completes the electrical circuit through the electrical contacts positioned at their interfaces. The system serves itself by using the mechanical connection to trigger the electrical function, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high amusement factor
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
This solution enhances the amusement factor by providing an interactive way to turn the lights on and off, allowing users to engage with the toy by physically joining and separating the halves, maintaining the circuit with magnets, and offering various configurations like series or parallel LED connections.
Implementation Method 1
two (2) sets of neodymium magnets or equivalent means are used to hold the two halves together once they are mated to maintain both the electrical circuit and the illuminated part
Implementation Method 2
the device includes LED lights of the electrical circuit that are connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
A toy, such as a teddy bear, pair of hand puppets, or other amusement device wherein an electrical circuit is actuated through the connection of two separate halves of a wired shape, such as a heart, moon, star, light bulb or other form, causing said shape to glow via lights, with aforementioned halves held together via a set of neodymium magnets. When the halves are separated, at least one pair of electrical contacts is disconnected, and therefore, the electrical circuit is incomplete such that the toy does not glow. When the halves are mated or otherwise joined, the at least one pair of electrical contacts come into connection with one another and the electrical circuit is completed, causing the lights within the wired shape to glow.