UV-Reactive Toy Packaging with Integrated Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys with exposable features that change color in response to ultraviolet light do not provide immediate revelation of features when exposed and concealment upon removal, and product packaging lacks an integrated ultraviolet light accessory to illuminate these features.
Innovation Solution
A transparent packaging shell containing a toy and an ultraviolet light accessory, where the UV light is directed onto a reveal pigment on the toy, causing it to change from an invisible to a visible state, allowing immediate feature revelation and concealment upon UV light activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a toy with photochromatic coating is used to change color in response to ultraviolet light, then the toy can reveal unique features under UV light, but the color change is not instantaneous and slowly reverts back to original color after removal from UV light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photochromatic coating that changes color when exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing the toy to reveal unique features. The coating is specifically selected to provide visible color change under UV illumination, directly addressing the color revelation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of ultraviolet light sources at controlled intervals to trigger color changes in the photochromatic coating. This periodic action allows the toy to be revealed on demand while maintaining its original appearance between activations, effectively managing the timing of color changes.
2Loss of information
If product packaging is made transparent to allow viewing of the toy, then consumers can see the toy, but the unique UV-revealed features cannot be displayed without an integrated UV light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packaging structure with an integrated ultraviolet light source and control circuitry within the same packaging unit. This combination allows the packaging to serve dual functions: protecting the toy and revealing its UV-sensitive features, thereby reducing information loss while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protective container and as an active display device with UV illumination capabilities. This universal design allows the same packaging structure to fulfill multiple roles: physical protection, feature revelation, and consumer engagement.
3Speed
If ultraviolet light accessory is integrated into packaging to illuminate the toy, then immediate feature revelation is achieved, but the packaging complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates ultraviolet light sources and control circuitry into the packaging during the manufacturing process, preparing the packaging in advance with all necessary components for immediate feature revelation. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables immediate and visible display of unique toy features when exposed to UV light, enhancing consumer interaction and product presentation through the use of a transparent packaging shell and integrated UV light accessory.
Implementation Method 1
a photochromatic toy that changes color as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light... the color in the photochromatic coating slowly reverts back to its original color
Implementation Method 2
reveal pigment becomes visible to reveal a unique feature of the toy... immediate feature revelation and concealment upon UV light activation and deactivation
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging item for packaging a toy and an ultraviolet light accessory is described. The packaging item includes a transparent packaging shell and a toy positioning packaging. The transparent packaging shell has an opening therethrough to allow for access by a user. The toy positioning packaging is positioned within the transparent packaging shell. The toy positioning packaging includes a toy packing portion and an ultraviolet light accessory portion. The toy packing portion is formed to hold both the toy and ultraviolet light accessory such that upon activation, ultraviolet light is directed from the ultraviolet light accessory onto a portion of a toy that includes a reveal pigment. Upon exposure to the reveal pigment, the reveal pigment becomes visible to reveal a unique feature of the toy. The toy is, for example, a figurine.