Storage Device Movable Facial Feature Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices, such as backpacks and purses, lack a simple and effective way to enhance entertainment value through movable facial features, which can increase user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a container featuring movable facial feature structures, an actuator system, and a traveler mechanism that drives the movement of these features, allowing for realistic mimicry of animal-like movements when accessing or closing the storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable facial feature elements are added to enhance entertainment value, then user engagement increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closure structure (zipper) with the actuation mechanism for facial features into a single integrated system. The traveler of the zipper is directly coupled to the actuator through a coupling arrangement, so that one action (moving the zipper) simultaneously achieves two functions (closing the bag and moving the facial features). This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators and control systems, thereby enhancing entertainment value while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical force from the zipper traveler to the actuator, converts linear motion of the zipper into rotational motion of the actuator, and synchronizes the operation of the closure with the facial feature movement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while achieving the desired entertainment effect.
2Ease of operation
If a coupling arrangement is used to connect traveler to actuator, then facial feature movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the simple zipper operation and the complex actuator mechanism. It includes elements like a gear or cam that convert the linear motion of the zipper traveler into rotational motion of the actuator, enabling facial feature movement without requiring direct complex linkage. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall control while achieving the desired motion transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a storage device is provided and includes a container including an exterior surface and an opening therethrough. The storage device further includes at least one movable facial feature element. The storage device further includes an actuator operatively connected to the at least one movable facial feature element for driving movement of the at least one movable facial feature element. The storage device further includes a closure structure extending along the opening, and a traveler that is movably mounted to the closure structure for movement between a first traveler position and a second traveler position to open or close the closure structure. A coupling arrangement connects the traveler to the actuator such that movement of the traveler drives movement of the actuator, which in turn drives movement of the at least one movable facial feature element.