UV-Sensitive Toy Layers for Dynamic Lighting Without Batteries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current toys and games lack engaging and educational features to effectively entertain and educate children, as they often rely on limited color change mechanisms that do not provide dynamic or interactive lighting effects.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating ultraviolet sensitive layers that emit visible colored light when exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing for dynamic lighting effects and animations, synchronized with sound, to create immersive experiences in toys and games without the need for electrical systems or batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional color change mechanisms are used in toys, then toys can change color, but they lack dynamic lighting effects and engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting effectsVSAvoidelectrical systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical lighting systems with a chemical/physical system using ultraviolet-sensitive layers that emit visible light when exposed to UV light. This substitution eliminates the need for batteries, wires, and electrical components while achieving dynamic lighting effects through the photoluminescent properties of the sensitive layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the optical parameters of the ultraviolet-sensitive layers by varying their composition, thickness, and UV responsiveness to create different lighting effects, colors, and intensities without requiring electrical control systems. This allows for versatile lighting effects while maintaining simplicity in the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If ultraviolet sensitive layers are used to create lighting effects, then dynamic animations and colors are achieved, but the mechanism requires UV light sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting displaysVSAvoidUV light source

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet-sensitive layers serve themselves by automatically emitting visible light when exposed to UV illumination without requiring external electrical control. The layers self-regulate their light emission based on the UV light intensity and duration, eliminating the need for complex energy management systems or electrical components to control the lighting effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple color change toys are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they lack educational and interactive value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoy productionVSAvoideducational features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet-sensitive layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide visual lighting effects for entertainment, create interactive responses to UV exposure for engagement, and can display educational content or patterns when illuminated. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single manufacturing process that applies the sensitive layers to various toy surfaces, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the creation of engaging, educational, and interactive lighting displays in toys and games, enhancing their entertainment value and educational potential by providing a wide range of colors and animations, even in daylight or shaded environments.

Implementation Method 1

The ultraviolet sensitive layer is then illuminated with ultraviolet light from a light source. In various implementations, the ultraviolet sensitive layer absorbs the ultraviolet light and emits a colored light in response.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

atoms of the ultraviolet sensitive layer become excited when exposed to the ultraviolet light. This causes the ultraviolet sensitive layer to release energy in the form of a visible colored light in response to the ultraviolet light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS8708767B2Color changing toys, games and devices

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 FUNFARE LLC

AI summary

In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having an ultraviolet sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the ultraviolet sensitive layer with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the ultraviolet light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the ultraviolet light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.