Transformable Scenery Shell Using Vacuum Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for creating the illusion of damaged scenery in outdoor entertainment venues lack realism and are not cost-effective for repeated performances, as they either rely on mechanical devices, visual effects, or two-dimensional transformations, which fail to provide the high entertainment value demanded by sophisticated audiences.
Innovation Solution
Transformable scenery using a shell with discrete portions that can change from one three-dimensional outward appearance to another through the use of a deformable material, such as a bladder or sheet, expanded or contracted via a vacuum or low-pressure pump, to simulate damage or destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to create the illusion of damage, then the transformation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the realism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a simpler system consisting of a deformable shell and vacuum pump. The shell deforms under vacuum to create the damage illusion, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical mechanisms while improving realism through actual three-dimensional deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a deformable shell made of flexible material that can change its three-dimensional shape in response to vacuum pressure. This flexible shell approach allows realistic damage transformation without complex mechanics, as the shell itself physically deforms to create the illusion of destruction.
2Reliability
If visual effects like smoke and mirrors are used, then the transformation can be achieved, but the entertainment value is insufficient for sophisticated audiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual effects (like scrims and projections) to three-dimensional physical deformation. The shell actually changes its three-dimensional form to simulate damage, providing depth and realism that flat visual effects cannot achieve, thereby increasing entertainment value for sophisticated audiences.
3Reliability
If physical destruction of scenery is used, then the damage illusion is realistic, but it is not cost-effective for repeated performances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery of the scenery after damage display. The deformable shell can be returned to its original undamaged state by releasing the vacuum, allowing the same scenery to be reused for multiple performances. This eliminates the need to physically destroy or replace damaged scenery, making it cost-effective for repeated shows.
4Manufacturing precision
If scrims are used for transformation, then the before and after effects can be shown, but the transformation lacks three-dimensional realism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from two-dimensional scrim transformations to three-dimensional shell deformation. The shell physically changes its three-dimensional shape to simulate damage, providing realistic depth and form that scrims cannot achieve, making it effective for outdoor venues where light control limitations prevent successful use of traditional visual effects.
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 solution provides a realistic and cost-effective method for creating the illusion of damaged scenery, allowing for repeated transformations while maintaining the integrity of the original set pieces, thereby enhancing entertainment value by offering a realistic and dynamic three-dimensional transformation.
Implementation Method 1
expanded or contracted via a vacuum or low-pressure pump
Implementation Method 2
deformable material, such as a bladder or sheet, expanded or contracted via a vacuum or low-pressure pump
Data Source
AI summary
Transformable scenery includes a shell wherein at least one discrete portion of the shell is configured to be transformable between one outward appearance and one or more other outward appearances wherein the one outward appearance and the one or more other outward appearances are three-dimensional.