Lantern Auxiliary Base with Cross-Beams for Snow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable lanterns lack stability and security on snowy or winter conditions, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent snow melting under the lantern when placed on snowy ground.
Innovation Solution
A lantern auxiliary base comprising a wall, floor, first and second cross-beams, and a ring that encircles a vertically-extending longitudinal axis, providing a cup-shaped cavity to securely hold the lantern and additional cross-beams and ring to enhance stability by penetrating deeper into snow, and allowing the lantern to be used with a reflector for broader stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lantern is placed directly on snowy ground, then it is simple to use, but it lacks stability and allows snow melting under the lantern
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple functional components: a main base body, cross-beams extending in perpendicular directions, and a ring structure. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific stabilizing function while collectively providing enhanced stability on snowy surfaces without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The base extends stability in multiple spatial dimensions through cross-beams that project perpendicular to the main base body in opposite directions, and a ring that provides circumferential support. This multi-dimensional extension prevents lateral and rotational movement by distributing the lantern's weight across a larger footprint area.
2Reliability
If cross-beams extend deeper into snow, then stability is enhanced, but the base structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-beams are designed with adjustable extension mechanisms that allow them to dynamically adapt their penetration depth into the snow based on snow depth and density conditions. This dynamic adjustment provides optimal stability without requiring a fixed complex structure for all possible snow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-beams serve multiple functions: they provide lateral stability, enable depth adjustment for different snow conditions, and work in conjunction with the ring structure to prevent rotational movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each stabilizing function.
3Reliability
If the base prevents snow melting, then lantern security is improved, but thermal management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure acts as a thermal intermediary between the lantern and the snow. By elevating the lantern off direct contact with the snow through the base's geometric structure, it prevents heat transfer that would cause snow melting, while still allowing the lantern to stand securely on various surfaces.
4Reliability
If the ring projects deeper than cross-beams, then rotational stability is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is designed with a predetermined depth extension beyond the cross-beams to provide a cushion of rotational stability. This pre-engineered depth difference ensures that the ring engages with the snow surface at an optimal depth to resist rotational forces without requiring high-precision manufacturing tolerances during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A lantern auxiliary base can include a wall, a floor, a first cross-beam, a second cross-beam, and a ring. The wall can encircle an axis and extend between a top end and a bottom end. The floor can be engaged with the wall and at least partially close the bottom end, defining a cup-shaped cavity. The floor can have top and bottom surfaces. The first and second cross-beams can project along the axis away from the bottom surface and be transverse to one another. At least one of the first and second cross-beams can extend a first distance from the bottom surface. The ring can project along the axis away from the bottom surface to a bottom edge a second distance from the bottom surface along the longitudinal axis less than the first distance.