Segmented Pole Assembly with LED Illumination for Portable Game Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing games are often bulky, not portable, prone to damage, and cannot be played in low lighting conditions, lacking a scoring system and being costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight game apparatus with a pole assembly made of hollow plastic tubes that can be easily assembled and disassembled, featuring a coupling mechanism, LED lighting for low-light play, and a scoring mechanism, using common objects as targets and allowing for team differentiation by color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art games use solid structures and traditional materials, then durability is improved, but portability and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be extended for play and collapsed for storage. This segmentation allows the structure to be lightweight and portable when collapsed, yet maintain sufficient strength and durability when extended for gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-walled hollow plastic tubes for the pole segments. These thin-walled structures provide adequate structural integrity and durability for the game while minimizing weight, enabling easy portability and storage.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art games lack lighting mechanisms, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but usability in low lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is powered by a battery contained within the pole assembly itself, making the game self-sufficient for night play without requiring external power sources. The battery-powered LEDs provide illumination that enables usability in low lighting conditions while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If prior art games use permanent structures, then stability is improved, but adaptability and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pole assembly features a dynamic telescoping mechanism that allows the structure to be extended to a stable playing height during gameplay and collapsed to a compact size for portability. This dynamic adjustment capability provides both stability during use and adaptability for storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole is segmented into multiple sections that can be extended and locked into place during play, providing stability. When collapsed, the segments nest within each other, enabling portability and easy storage. This segmentation allows the structure to transition between stable and portable states.
4Device complexity
If prior art games lack scoring systems, then device complexity is reduced, but gameplay functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scoring system is integrated directly into the pole assembly, with score indicators that automatically track and display game scores. This self-contained scoring mechanism enhances gameplay functionality without requiring complex external scoring systems, maintaining simplicity while improving game completeness.
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 apparatus is portable, durable, and can be played in low ambient light, providing an inexpensive and enjoyable gaming experience with a scoring system, enhancing accessibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting sources comprise a plurality of LED lamps
Implementation Method 2
The removable cap comprises a battery, one or more lighting sources, an on/off switch and the appropriate circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A game apparatus which allows for a target disposed on the top of a pole to be knocked down by a projectile. The game apparatus includes a segmented pole which can be assembled and disassembled easily via coupling mechanisms between each segment. The top segment of the pole includes a top cap where a surface on which targets can be placed, is provided. The bottom segment of the pole is connected to a base which holds the pole up. Alternatively, a stake can be coupled to the bottom segment of the pole to drive the pole into the ground directly. A scoring mechanism along the surface of the poles is provided, as well as a target illuminating device to enhance the visibility of the target. The top cap of the pole can also include illumination such that the game can be played even in low ambient light.