Motion-Sensing Ball Feedback Using Acceleration Thresholds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys and ball games lack innovative features to enhance amusement, education, and user experience while maintaining a conventional look and feel, and there is a need for a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-manufacture solution that provides additional stimulation and pleasure.
Innovation Solution
A motion-sensing device housed in a single enclosure, equipped with an accelerometer, annunciator, and controller, powered by a primary or rechargeable battery, which uses kinetic energy conversion or induction charging, and includes visual or audible signaling components to respond to motion, providing educational and entertaining feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing components (accelerometer, controller, annunciator) are added to a ball toy, then user experience and interactivity are enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerometer, controller, annunciator, and power source into a single integrated enclosure, merging multiple functional components into one unified device. This reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced interactivity through motion sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball toy serves multiple functions: it can be used as a conventional play ball while simultaneously providing motion-sensing feedback through visual or audible signals. The device adapts to different play scenarios and provides educational feedback, making it a multi-functional toy that enhances user experience without requiring separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing components are added to the ball toy, then educational value and stimulation are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a power source that can be recharged through kinetic energy conversion during play, reducing the need for external power sources and battery replacements. This self-charging capability simplifies manufacturing by eliminating complex power management systems while maintaining educational functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If kinetic energy conversion or induction charging is implemented, then power sustainability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional battery replacement or external charging mechanisms with kinetic energy conversion or induction charging systems. This substitution integrates power sustainability directly into the ball's motion, allowing the device to recharge itself during play without adding complex external power management components.
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 device enhances user experience by providing interactive and educational feedback through visual or audible signals, making the toy more versatile, attractive, and engaging without altering its conventional appearance, while being easy to construct and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer for sensing the device acceleration
Implementation Method 2
The device may be powered or charged contactlessly using induction. The device may be powered from a generator that converts the kinetic energy of the device to an electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The device may be powered or charged contactlessly using induction. In this case, the device further includes an induction coil for wirelessly receiving AC power
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a visual or audible signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic is disclosed. The device may be used as a toy for amusement, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. The device may be powered from a battery, which may be charged from an AC power directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to the sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.