Rotatable Disc Attraction Device Using Gravity and Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for attracting attention at pedestrian crossings and bus stops, such as warning triangles and flashing lamps, are either complex or require external energy sources, lacking simplicity and user-friendliness.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a rotatable disc with reflectors mounted on a platelike element, where the disc automatically reverts to a position masking the reflectors when not in use, allowing manual rotation by users to attract attention through reflected vehicle headlights, eliminating the need for external energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a reflective device is made simple in construction, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but the ability to attract attention may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidattention-attracting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflective disc rotatable rather than static. The disc can be manually rotated to a signaling position where the reflectors face outward to attract attention, and automatically returns to a retracted position when not in use. This dynamic movement allows a simple construction to achieve effective attention-attracting capability at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If external energy sources like batteries or flashing lamps are used, then attention-attracting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattention-attracting capabilityVSAvoidconstruction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by using passive reflective materials that do not require external energy sources. The reflectors on the disc passively reflect existing light (such as vehicle headlights) to attract attention, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or electronic circuits. The system serves itself by utilizing ambient light rather than generating its own illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If the device remains visible at all times, then attention-attracting capability is improved, but user control and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the device to transition between visible and hidden states. The rotatable disc allows users to manually activate the signaling function by rotating the disc to a visible position, and the automatic return mechanism ensures the device retracts to a hidden position when not needed, providing both visibility when required and user control over when the signaling function is active.

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

Enhances safety by attracting driver attention simply and efficiently without external power, using manual kinetic energy to rotate the disc and revert to a hidden position, ensuring user-friendliness and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

The disc 7 is provided, on the side facing the observer, with reflectors 10 or luminous means, which reflectors 10 are situated diametrically on the disc 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The disc 7 of the device according to the present invention is so configured that the disc 7, when the device is observed in plan view, automatically places itself in the position of rest depicted in Fig. 1 when the disc 7 is not subject to any external influence. The reason why the disc 7 automatically places itself in the position of rest depicted in Fig. 1 is that the centre of gravity of the disc 7 is not at the centre of the disc 7, so gravitation automatically places the disc 7 in the position of rest depicted in Fig. 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2286031B8Device to attract attention
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 LINDBLOM GOERAN

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for attracting attention. Distinguishing features of the device according to the present invention are that it comprises a mounting means (1) and a disc (7) disposed for rotation on the mounting means (1), that reflectors/luminous means (10) are attached to at least one side of the disc (7), and that the centre of gravity of the disc (7) is displaced from the centre of the disc (7).