Magnetic Animation of Flexible Elastomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for animating flexible objects in amusement parks, such as those using embedded magnets, can cause the elastomer material to weaken and tear over time due to magnetic attraction forces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fine metal particles, like iron, into a flexible elastomer material that reacts to magnetic fields generated by drive magnets, allowing for the animation of sculpted characters or objects without the material weakening, using a combination of hard and electromagnets for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hard magnet is embedded within the flexible object to provide animation, then the object can be animated through magnetic attraction, but the elastomer material weakens and tears over time due to continuous magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hard magnet from inside the elastomer object and places it outside on the display structure. This extraction eliminates the harmful magnetic force that was causing the elastomer to weaken and tear, while still allowing the object to be animated through magnetic attraction from the external magnet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fine metal particles as an intermediary between the external magnet and the elastomer object. These particles are embedded in the elastomer and respond to the magnetic field, transmitting the animation effect without requiring direct contact with the hard magnet, thus protecting the elastomer from degradation.
2Reliability
If fine metal particles are blended with elastomer material, then magnetic forces are distributed evenly preventing material degradation, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by blending fine metal particles with elastomer to create an iron-infused flexible material. This composite approach distributes magnetic forces evenly throughout the material, preventing localized degradation while maintaining flexibility and animatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastomer by incorporating metal particles, which alters its magnetic properties and allows it to respond to magnetic fields. This parameter change enables the material to be animated without requiring embedded hard magnets, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 method allows for durable and long-lasting animation of flexible objects by distributing magnetic forces evenly, preventing material degradation and enabling nuanced movements through controlled magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
metal particles blended with the elastic base material may react to a magnetic field generated by a drive magnet positioned near the character
Implementation Method 2
the metal particles blended with the elastic base material may react to a magnetic field generated by a drive magnet
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment may take the form of a flexible creation animated by magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation. Iron particles blended with a flexible material of the flexible creation may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object.