Programmable Replica Eye With Folded Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current replica eyes lack durability, uneven light distribution, and difficulty in attachment to surfaces, making them unsuitable for long-term use in toys, dolls, and visual art presentations.
Innovation Solution
A programmable replica eye design featuring a planar base with electrical pins, a transparent cylinder, and an opaque body, where the base and connections are folded to adhere to a ring, allowing even light distribution and secure attachment, with an iris cap for programmable illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional replica eyes are used, then they can be manufactured simply, but they lack durability and eventually stop illuminating due to electrical disconnection or short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the electrical connections from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional folded structure that extends along the sidewalls of the cylinder. This dimensional change allows the connections to be routed away from the base, reducing the risk of electrical disconnection and short circuits while maintaining electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The replica eye is divided into distinct functional components: the lighting element with folded connections, the transparent cylinder, the opaque body, and the iris cap. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting elements are used, then they are simple to manufacture, but they do not evenly distribute light throughout the iris
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element is segmented into multiple electrical pins arranged around the central light source, with each pin connected to a separate LED. This segmentation allows independent control of multiple light-emitting points, enabling even light distribution across the iris while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system incorporates programmable control capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of illumination patterns, intensity, and timing. This enables even light distribution through controlled sequencing of multiple LEDs, while the programmable nature provides flexibility without requiring complex physical structures.
3Ease of operation
If traditional replica eyes are used, then they have simple structure, but they are not easily attached to surfaces via an eye hole
Solution Approach 1:
The folded electrical connections create a three-dimensional structure that extends along the cylinder sidewalls, providing additional attachment surfaces and structural features that facilitate secure mounting to eye holes or other substrates without requiring separate attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded connections serve multiple functions: electrical connectivity, structural support, and attachment facilitation. This multi-functionality enables easy attachment to various surfaces while avoiding the need for additional dedicated attachment components, balancing ease of operation with structural simplicity.
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 solution provides a durable, evenly illuminated replica eye that can be securely attached to surfaces, ensuring consistent and long-lasting programmable light distribution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable lighting element having a planar base with a plurality of electrical pins outward of a centrally disposed light source
Data Source
AI summary
A replica eye with programmable iris illumination and a method of making the same is provided. The replica eye includes a programmable lighting element having a planar base with electrical pins outward of a centrally disposed light source is electrically coupled via the pins to one or more electrical connections. One end of a transparent cylinder approximately coextensively abuts the light source. The outer portions of the planar base and its electrical connections are folded into a folded assembly that is received into and adhered along an inner circumferential wall of a ring. The electrical connections are further adhered along a rear portion of the ring and planar base. A semi-spherical dome sandwiches an opaque body to an opposing end of the transparent cylinder, thereby defining an illuminable iris and pupil, respectively.