Projection Module Diffractive Optical Element Pyrotechnic Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to simulate explosive and pyrotechnic effects, such as fireworks and cannon shots, in a safe and repeatable manner that can be performed indoors and in various locations, as traditional pyrotechnics involve hazardous materials and are typically outdoor events.

Innovation Solution

A projection module that includes a light source, a diffractive optical element, and a motion assembly, which splits and converges light beams onto a projection surface to create dynamic and controlled light patterns, mimicking the effects of explosions or sparks, using a combination of diffractive optics and mechanical or electronic movement to vary the convergence point and orientation of the light beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional pyrotechnics are used to create explosive effects, then intensely bright naturally animated effects are achieved, but safety hazards and outdoor location requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness of explosive effectsVSAvoidsafety hazards from explosive materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates optical copies of pyrotechnic effects using light projection instead of actual explosive materials. A light source projects patterns through diffractive optical elements to simulate sparks, fireworks, and explosion effects on a projection surface, eliminating hazardous materials while maintaining visual impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of explosive materials with an optical system. Instead of using combustibles and explosives to create visual effects, the system uses light sources, lenses, and diffractive elements to project animated patterns that mimic pyrotechnic effects safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If traditional pyrotechnics are used for explosive effects, then visually impressive effects are achieved, but repeatability and indoor venue compatibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual impact of pyrotechnic effectsVSAvoidrepeatability and location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates repeatable optical copies of pyrotechnic effects through controlled light projection. By using programmable light sources and diffractive optical elements, the same visual effects can be reproduced consistently in different locations and under different conditions, unlike actual pyrotechnics which vary with environmental factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of the light projection system to create animated effects that simulate the natural movement of pyrotechnics. The motion assembly and control system adjust light beam orientation, convergence points, and projection patterns in real-time to reproduce the dynamic behavior of explosions and fireworks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system allows for the safe and repeatable simulation of explosive effects indoors by projecting dynamic light patterns that mimic the appearance of sparks or explosions, enhancing aesthetic experiences and offering flexibility in location and reusability.

Implementation Method 1

a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the light source and configured to split the beam of light into a plurality of diffracted light beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

a lens assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element, the lens converges the diffracted light beams onto the projection surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10261333B2System for simulating pyrotechnics
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • US10261333B2 patent drawing
  • US10261333B2 patent drawing
  • US10261333B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a projection module for projecting onto a projection surface. The projection module includes a light source emitting a beam of light, a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the light source, the diffractive optical element acts to split the beam of light into a plurality of diffracted light beams, a lens assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element and configured to converge the diffracted light beams onto the projection surface, and a motion assembly connected to at least one of the light source or the lens assembly. The motion assembly changes an orientation of the diffractive light beams relative to the lens assembly.