Accelerometer Toy Ball With Motion-Triggered Signal Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys and ball games lack innovative features that provide additional amusement, education, and user experience while maintaining a conventional 'look and feel'.
Innovation Solution
A device housed in a single enclosure, equipped with an accelerometer for motion sensing, an annunciator for visual or audible signaling, and a controller to activate the annunciator based on sensed motion, powered by a primary or rechargeable battery with options for contactless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensing and annunciator components are added to a ball or toy, then user experience and amusement value are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerometer, controller, annunciator, and power source into a single integrated enclosure, creating a unified device that maintains the simple appearance of a conventional ball or toy while incorporating multiple functional components. This merging approach enhances user experience through motion-responsive features while minimizing the perception of complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a conventional ball for playing, as a toy for amusement, and as a motion-sensing device with annunciator capabilities. The controller is programmed to respond to various motion patterns (throwing, catching, kicking) with different annunciator responses, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into a conventional ball or toy enclosure, then additional amusement and educational value are provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: an accelerometer module for motion sensing, a controller module for processing signals, an annunciator module for output, and a power source module. Each module can be independently tested and replaced, simplifying the manufacturing and quality control processes while maintaining the integrated appearance of a conventional ball or toy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are nested within the enclosure of the ball or toy, with the accelerometer, controller, annunciator, and power source arranged in a compact configuration inside the hollow interior. This nesting approach allows the device to maintain its conventional external appearance while incorporating sophisticated electronic functionality, making it easier to manufacture using standard ball-making techniques combined with electronic component assembly.
3Shape
If multiple components are housed in a single enclosure, then the device maintains a conventional appearance, but component integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the enclosure are optimized for specific components: the accelerometer is positioned to detect motion from various directions, the annunciator is placed for optimal visual or audible output, and the power source is positioned to balance the center of gravity. This local optimization allows each component to function effectively while maintaining the overall conventional appearance of the ball or toy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is programmed with dynamic response logic that adapts to different motion patterns and playing scenarios. The system can distinguish between various types of motion (throwing, catching, kicking) and provide appropriate annunciator responses, allowing the device to maintain its simple physical structure while exhibiting complex adaptive behavior that enhances user experience.
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 device enhances user experience by providing additional amusement and educational value through responsive visual and audible signals, maintaining a conventional appearance and being easy to construct and manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer for sensing the device acceleration
Implementation Method 2
A power source is included that may power the electrical components such as the accelerometer, the annunciator, the controller and any other power-consuming components
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a visual or audible signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic is disclosed. The device may be used as a toy for amusement, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. The device may be powered from a battery, which may be charged from an AC power directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to the sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.