Transparent Slide Tube with External LED Matrix for Immersive Visual Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water slide systems lack the capability to effectively influence the user's subjective perception of acceleration, sliding speed, and direction, with limited options for creating immersive visual effects.
Innovation Solution
The integration of matrix-arranged pixels, preferably LEDs, on the outside of the slide tube forms a shell-like screen module that displays two-dimensional and stereoscopic images moving in the circumferential direction, influencing the user's perception through visual and spatial effects, with heat dissipation enhanced by direct contact with the translucent or transparent tube material and water cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If individual LEDs or LED strips are arranged on the outside of the slide tube to generate light effects, then optical effects inside the slide tube are achieved, but the visual effects are limited to flashing or continuous patterns without complex imagery
Solution Approach 1:
The slide tube is divided into multiple sections, with individual LED modules or screen segments arranged at different positions along the tube. Each segment can display independent visual content, enabling complex sequences and patterns that evolve as the user progresses through the slide, transforming simple continuous lighting into segmented, position-specific visual storytelling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear LED strips to two-dimensional screen surfaces that wrap around or are integrated into the slide tube. This dimensional expansion enables display of complex images, animations, and stereoscopic content rather than simple linear light patterns, fundamentally enhancing visual effect complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If matrix-arranged pixels or screen modules are integrated on the outside of the slide tube to display complex images, then visual immersion and perception influence are improved, but heat dissipation becomes a critical challenge
Solution Approach 1:
A heat-dissipating intermediate structure is introduced between the LED matrix/screen modules and the slide tube exterior. This intermediary component acts as a thermal interface, conducting heat away from the electronic components while maintaining the visual display function, thus resolving the conflict between high-power visual output and thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid cooling system is integrated into the slide tube structure, circulating water or coolant through channels that contact or are in close proximity to the LED matrix or screen modules. This hydraulic cooling approach efficiently removes heat from high-power visual components while the flowing fluid also enhances the sliding experience, combining thermal management with functional enhancement
3Illumination intensity
If the slide tube is made translucent or transparent to allow internal viewing, then visual effects are visible, but structural strength and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slide tube is constructed using composite materials that combine transparency with structural strength. This may involve layered structures with transparent polymers reinforced by structural elements, or glass-composite hybrids that maintain optical clarity while providing the necessary mechanical strength and safety for water slide applications
Solution Approach 2:
The slide tube employs curved or spherical geometric designs that inherently distribute mechanical stresses more evenly compared to straight sections. This curvature, combined with strategic reinforcement at stress concentration points, allows the tube to maintain transparency while achieving the structural integrity required for safety, as the rounded geometry reduces stress concentrations
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screen modules are arranged in the circumferential and sliding directions to create immersive visuals, then user perception of speed and direction is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized, modular screen units are designed to perform multiple functions: displaying visual content, providing structural reinforcement, and facilitating heat dissipation. These universal modules can be replicated and assembled in different configurations along the slide tube, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated visual effects achieved, as the same basic unit serves multiple purposes throughout the structure
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
This design enhances the sliding experience by creating a more immersive and dynamic visual environment, influencing perceived speed and direction, while ensuring effective heat dissipation and maintaining a sharp image with high resolution and color depth.
Implementation Method 1
heat dissipation enhanced by direct contact with the translucent or transparent tube material and water cooling
Implementation Method 2
light sources arranged to achieve optical effects inside the slide tube; the lighting means are formed by pixels arranged in a matrix, in particular LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a water slide system including an at least partly translucent or transparent slide tube which may be circumferentially closed and in which a slide surface that can be wetted with liquid extends in a slide direction. Lighting features that are visible from the interior of the slide tube are arranged on the outside of the slide tube in order to achieve optical effects in the interior of the slide tube. According to an aspect, the lighting features are pixels, for example LEDs, which are arranged in a matrix of at least one screen module. The screen module may be in the shape of a shell that extends on the outside of the slide tube and over a circumferential portion of the slide tube and which can be actuated in order to display movable two-dimensional or stereoscopic images, which may be curved in the circumferential direction.