Programmable Surface Lighting Using Power-Cycle Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems for electrified surfaces in amusement parks, such as bumper cars, face challenges in synchronizing light effects between individual illuminating bodies without power cables, requiring frequent battery replacements, and are difficult to install and reposition without disrupting the electrified surface.

Innovation Solution

An integrated lighting system where illuminating bodies, comprising RGB LEDs, microcontrollers, and power supply units, are synchronized using the electrified surface's power supply cycles or instantaneous voltage changes, eliminating the need for direct wiring and allowing for easy maintenance and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If battery-powered illuminating bodies are used without power cables, then ease of repositioning is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent battery replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repositioningVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered system with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Power is transmitted wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling between a primary coil in the electrified surface and secondary coils in the illuminating bodies, eliminating the need for physical battery replacements while maintaining ease of repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer energy between the power source and illuminating bodies. The primary coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with secondary coils in the illuminating bodies, serving as a wireless power transmission medium that resolves the contradiction between cable-free operation and reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If individual wiring is provided to each illuminating body, then control precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to extensive cable installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical wiring system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. Control signals are transmitted through the same electromagnetic coupling mechanism used for power transmission, eliminating the need for extensive signal cables while maintaining precise control capability through digital communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electromagnetic coupling system multi-functional by using it for both power transmission and control signal communication. The same primary and secondary coils serve dual purposes: transferring electrical energy and transmitting control data, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If illuminating bodies are placed on top of the electrified surface, then ease of installation is improved, but harmful factors worsen as they form obstacles to car movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidobstacles to movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional installation approach by placing illuminating bodies underneath the electrified surface rather than on top. The transparent or translucent insulating material allows light to pass through from below, achieving the desired visual effect while eliminating physical obstacles that would interfere with car movement on the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the lighting system from a two-dimensional surface-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional subsurface installation. By embedding illuminating bodies in the third dimension (below the surface) and utilizing light transmission through the insulating material, the system maintains visual effectiveness while removing mechanical interference with vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables synchronized light plays without power cables, rapid installation, and maintenance from above the electrified surface, ensuring consistent operation and flexibility in amusement park installations.

Implementation Method 1

The illuminating bodies are wireless insofar power cables are concerned and are synchronized using the electrified surface's power supply cycles or instantaneous voltage changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3938068B1Integrated and programmable ligthing system for electrified surfaces

Publication Date: 2023.11.22 I E PARK S R L SOLI BUMPER CARS

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AI summary

A programmable reduced-wiring lighting system for electrified surfaces.