Rollable Two-Sided Die for Reliable Random Outcomes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for achieving a random 1 out of 2 chance value, such as flipping a coin, are inadequate as they require coordination and often use objects with more than two sides that can lead to false perceptions of a two-sided random value.
Innovation Solution
A rollable two-sided die with a cylindrical or conical shape, composed of two pieces bonded or molded together, allowing users to roll the die from their palm onto a flat surface for a random landing on one of its two true sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coin or flat object is used for random value generation, then the method is simple and widely available, but it requires coordination and skill to flip properly to achieve desired random results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by using a cylindrical die instead of a flat coin. The cylindrical shape with curved surfaces allows the die to roll naturally when tossed, eliminating the coordination skill required for coin flipping. The curvature enables the die to tumble and rotate during flight and rolling, creating genuine random outcomes without requiring user dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing a die that rolls and tumbles during use rather than flipping in a controlled arc like a coin. The cylindrical shape allows for dynamic rolling motion along its curved surface, creating unpredictable landing positions that enhance randomness while simplifying the user action to a simple toss and roll motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objects with more than two sides are used, then the object provides more potential outcomes, but it creates false perception of two-sided random value when duplicate numbers are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the die into two distinct functional halves or sides, each with unique identifying features. The cylindrical die is segmented along its length with each end representing a different outcome (e.g., different colored ends, different symbols). This segmentation ensures that only two distinct outcomes are possible, eliminating the false perception problem of multi-sided dice with duplicate values while maintaining true randomness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving each end of the cylindrical die distinct local characteristics (different colors, symbols, or markings). This ensures that each of the two outcomes is clearly distinguishable and uniquely identified, preventing any confusion or false perception that could arise from duplicate values on different sides.
3Reliability
If a cylindrical die with two pieces is used, then true two-sided randomness is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to a simple coin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by bonding two separate cylindrical pieces together to form a single integrated die. The two pieces are joined along their lateral surfaces, creating one unified cylindrical object that functions as a complete die. This merging approach achieves the reliability of true two-sided randomness while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable, rather than using complex multi-component mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a rollable two-sided die. The rollable two-sided die is constructed of a first piece and a second piece, bonded, molded, or shaped together. The first and second pieces have a similar shape to one another and the first and second piece are created in parallel to one another, and overlap at least in part in a lengthwise direction.