Reversible Sequin Impact Indicator with Energy Radiating Padding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for determining when a player or target has been struck by a toy projectile are either unreliable due to surface requirements, messy, or require frequent replacement, lacking a durable and reusable means to indicate hits without electrical charge.
Innovation Solution
A fabric covered with reversible sequins, where one color indicates no impact and another color indicates impact, attached to a padding layer that absorbs and radiates energy from projectile impacts, causing sequins to flip and reveal strike locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction cup tipped projectile is used to indicate impact, then the projectile can stick to the struck surface, but the surface must be flat, clean, and nonporous which limits usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction cup mechanical adhesion system with a Velcro mechanical interlocking system. The projectile is tipped with a Velcro patch that mechanically interlocks with the fabric surface upon impact, eliminating the need for vacuum-based adhesion and its associated surface requirements. This substitution allows the impact detection mechanism to work reliably on various surfaces including clothing and textured targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The Velcro-tipped projectile creates a universal impact detection system that works across multiple surface types. By using the Velcro mechanism, the projectile can reliably indicate impact on both stationary targets with various surface textures and on players wearing different types of clothing, thus achieving multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Velcro covered tip projectile is used, then the projectile can stick to fabric surfaces without requiring clean flat surfaces, but the Velcro tips wear out over time requiring projectile replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Velcro system into two separate components: the Velcro patch is permanently attached to the projectile tip, while the corresponding Velcro mating surface is integrated into the target or player clothing. This segmentation allows the durable fabric-embedded Velcro to bear the wear and tear of repeated impacts, while the projectile retains its functional Velcro tip for a longer duration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the projectile durable and the target consumable, the patent inverts the durability distribution by embedding the Velcro receiving surface into the target or player clothing, making it part of the durable fabric structure. This allows the projectile to be replaced or reused more easily while the target maintains its impact detection capability over time.
3Loss of information
If chalk marking projectile is used to indicate impact, then the struck location is marked, but the chalk embeds in clothes making players uncomfortable and requires filling reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chalk-based marking system with a mechanical Velcro adhesion system. Instead of using a reservoir that releases chalk onto the impact point, the projectile uses a Velcro-tipped mechanism that physically adheres to the fabric at the impact location. This eliminates the mess and discomfort associated with chalk embedding in clothing while still providing clear visual indication of impact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The Velcro-tipped projectile offers a reusable alternative to single-use chalk projectiles. The projectile can be used multiple times without requiring refilling or replacement, eliminating the maintenance burden of reservoir filling while providing reliable, clean impact indication that does not leave residue on players' clothing.
4Loss of information
If chalk is used to mark impact locations on stationary targets, then the strike location is identified, but cleaning chalk from targets is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chalk marking system with a Velcro adhesion system on stationary targets. The target incorporates a fabric surface with embedded Velcro material that mechanically interlocks with the projectile tip upon impact. This creates a clear visual indication of impact location without leaving chalk residue that is difficult to remove, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance of the target.
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
Provides a durable, reusable, and low-cost method to accurately record strike locations on players or targets without electrical charge, suitable for multiple uses and various applications.
Implementation Method 1
When the fabric is struck by a projectile, the padding layer will absorb the impact by radiating the energy from the point of impact
Implementation Method 2
As the padding vibrates, the sequins will flip from a first position to a second reversed position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an indicating means that may be worn by a player or attached to a target when playing with non lethal projectiles to indicate when a player or a target has been struck by a projectile. The disclosed indicating means comprises a fabric containing sequins followed by a layer of padding beneath the fabric. Sequins are brushed into a first position at the start of game play. During game play, impact of a projectile onto the indicating means will be absorbed by the padding creating undulations radiating outwards from the point of impact causing the sequins to flip to a second position indicating that the player or target has been struck. The disclosed indicating means will work with any projectile, does not require an electrical charge to operate, is low cost, reusable, and durable.