Bendable Crystal Mounting Frame for Secure Ornament Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ornamental fixtures for crystal ornaments, such as chandeliers, often rely on hooks or fixed geometric patterns, which limit the orientation and securement of ornaments, and there is a need for more versatile and secure mounting methods.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic frame member with integral bendable members that form posts to securely hold ornaments in place by bending to create a post receivable in the ornament's passageway and extending a distal portion to inhibit movement, allowing for flexible attachment and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hooks or fixed geometric patterns are used to attach ornaments, then the attachment method is simple, but the ornament orientation is limited and movement is not sufficiently inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mounting members bendable rather than fixed. The mounting members can be bent to different angles and positions to accommodate various ornament orientations, and the bending action itself provides a dynamic installation process where the member is bent into position and then holds the ornament securely. This resolves the contradiction by providing versatile orientation adjustment without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the bend angle, bend position, and curvature of the mounting members to achieve different ornament orientations and securement levels. The mounting members can be bent to different degrees depending on the specific ornament requirements, allowing continuous adjustment of mounting parameters rather than discrete fixed positions. This enables versatile ornament placement while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece mounting structure.
2Reliability
If ornaments are loosely held by hooks, then the mounting process is easy, but the security and stability of ornament attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the mounting members with bendable sections that are designed to be bent into a locked position during installation. The mounting members are prepared in advance with specific bend zones and structural features that, when bent, automatically create a secure holding position. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable ornament securement while keeping the actual mounting process straightforward, as the bending action itself creates the secure attachment without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting members exhibit self-service characteristics where the act of bending the member into position simultaneously creates the securement mechanism. The bent portion of the mounting member naturally forms a structure that grips or locks onto the ornament, providing self-securing functionality. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex assembly steps, achieving both high reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for mounting, then the securement is reliable, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple functional elements into a single mounting member. The mounting member combines the support function, the securing function (through bent portions), and the mounting function (through attachment points to the framework) all in one continuous piece. This single-piece construction maintains reliable attachment security through the bent securing portions while significantly simplifying manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate components, as it can be produced as a single formed or extruded element.
Data Source
AI summary
An ornamental fixture includes a monolithic frame member having a plurality of integral bendable members, and a plurality of ornaments supported on the integral bendable members. The plurality of generally bendable members has a first portion and a second portion. At least a portion of the first portion is bent so that the second portion forms a post receivable in a first opening of a passageway within the ornament, and forms a distal portion extending from a second opening out of the passageway of the ornament. The distal portion is bent to inhibit movement of the ornaments off of the post.