Motor-Driven Log-Walk Obstacle Dynamics for User Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional log-walk playground equipment fails to sustain user interest due to its simple configuration and lack of engaging features, leading to fewer users interacting with the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A log-walk play equipment design featuring a pair of pedestals, a rotatably supported shaft with an obstacle, and a drive mechanism, including a motor-driven rolling or swinging mechanism, to create a challenging and dynamic walking experience by rotating or swinging obstacles, such as a spiral pipe or rings, to maintain user engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the log-walk playground equipment uses a simple configuration with a log placed against a support, then the equipment is easy to configure and manufacture, but it fails to sustain user interest and attracts fewer users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static log into a dynamic obstacle that rotates around the shaft. The log is now movable rather than fixed, creating changing patterns that engage users continuously. This is achieved through the rotating shaft mechanism that carries the log obstacle, making it move in a circular path rather than remaining stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the rotating shaft that periodically brings the log obstacle into and out of the user's path. The rotation creates a repeating cycle of obstacle presentation, requiring users to continuously adapt their walking pattern. This periodic movement sustains user interest by creating predictable yet engaging challenges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the log-walk playground equipment adds a drive mechanism to rotate or swing obstacles, then user interest is sustained through dynamic movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves multiple functions: it supports the log obstacle, provides the rotation mechanism, and acts as the central structural element. By making the shaft multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving dynamic obstacle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the obstacle (log) with the rotating shaft into a combined system where the log is positioned on or attached to the shaft. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure, allowing dynamic movement without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made sloping against the floor and pivotally supported, then the movement becomes more complicated and engaging, but the stability of the structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shaft pivotable and sloping, allowing it to move and change position rather than remaining fixed. This creates more varied and complicated movement patterns that engage users, while the pivotal support mechanism ensures the structure remains stable during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide play equipment on which a user can log-walk and which is capable of interfering with the user's walking.The play equipment is provided with a pair of pedestals that are placed on the floor, a shaft on which the user can walk, an obstacle that interferes with the user's walking and a driving mechanism. The two ends of the shaft are supported rotatably on the pair of pedestals. The obstacle is disposed on the shaft.A drive motor is provided in the pedestal and a drive mechanism drives the shaft by the rotation of the drive motor.