Visually Transparent Rotating Support Members for Suspended Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended systems for entertainment and theatrical events, such as platforms or structures suspended by wires, are often visible to the audience, compromising the visual illusion of flying or hovering, and may not allow for controlled and safe movement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising flexible support members attached to rotational elements, with a motor-driven motion that renders these support members visually transparent by moving them at sufficient speed and distance, allowing for the suspension and movement of loads within a space while minimizing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible support members are painted or colored matte black to reduce visibility, then the visibility of support members is reduced, but they can still be seen at certain angles and when lighting or visual effects are utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are transformed from static to dynamic by rotating them at high speeds. This dynamic motion creates a visual transparency effect that is consistent from all viewing angles, unlike static painted surfaces that remain visible at certain angles. The rotation speed is controlled to maintain the illusion of invisibility while ensuring safety and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter changed is the motion state of the support members - from stationary to high-speed rotation. This parameter change fundamentally alters their visual properties, making them appear transparent or invisible to the audience while maintaining their structural function. The rotation speed is optimized to achieve the desired visual effect consistently under various lighting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a platform is suspended from cables, then the platform can be suspended, but the cables are often visible to the audience
Solution Approach 1:
The cables are converted into rotating flexible support members that spin at high speeds. This dynamic transformation makes them visually transparent to the audience while maintaining their suspension function. The rotation creates a blur effect that renders the support members invisible from all viewing angles, solving the visibility problem while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The static mechanical suspension system is replaced with a dynamic rotating system. Instead of fixed cables that are easily visible, the system uses rotating support members whose high-speed motion substitutes for the static mechanical structure, achieving both suspension and visual transparency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movement of a platform is incorporated into a theatrical presentation, then visual effects are enhanced, but safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates controlled dynamic motion of the platform while maintaining safety through precise control mechanisms. The rotation of support members and movement of the platform are coordinated to create convincing visual effects without compromising structural integrity or safety. The dynamic system allows for rehearsed, repeatable movements that enhance the theatrical presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system likely incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and control the movement and rotation, ensuring safety margins are maintained while achieving the desired theatrical effects. Feedback allows for real-time adjustments to maintain both safety and visual impact.
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 effectively hides the flexible support members from the audience's view, enabling convincing visual effects and safe, controlled movement of loads, enhancing the theatrical experience.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a motor operably connected to the first rotational element that provides sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent
Data Source
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AI summary
A suspended visually flying system (100) having a load (102) suspended by a plurality of flexible support members (108). The plurality of flexible support members (108) are attached to a first rotational element (109) attached to the load (102) and a second rotational element (105) attached to a support (108). The system also includes a motor (107) operably connected to the first rotational element (109) which provides sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members (108) to render these visually transparent, the load (102) being movable within a space. A method for suspending a load (102) from visually transparent flexible support members (108) is also disclosed.