Modular Family Tree Display Using Segmented Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing genealogical and family tree displays fail to effectively show extended family relationships, accommodate complex family structures, and provide a durable, easy-to-use, and commercially viable solution for displaying personalized family histories.
Innovation Solution
The Photo Family Tree Builder software allows users to create a customizable, expandable, and educational family tree display using computer-generated printed posters, incorporating heart and leaf picture frames to represent relationships, accommodating various family structures and generations, and offering options for missing photographs with placeholder frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional genealogical charts and plaques are used to display family information, then family relationships can be recorded, but they fail to effectively show extended family relationships and complex family structures
Solution Approach 1:
The family tree display is segmented into modular components including heart-shaped frames for parental units, leaf-shaped frames for individual family members, and branch connectors for relationships. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate complex family structures by assembling appropriate modules rather than requiring a complete redesign for each family configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat charts to a three-dimensional display structure using heart and leaf frames that extend in multiple spatial dimensions. The branches connect hearts and leaves in various orientations, creating a立体 visual representation that better captures the complexity of extended family relationships across multiple generations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular physical components are used to represent family members, then family relationships can be visually displayed, but the device becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The heart-shaped frames and leaf-shaped frames are designed to connect through integrated branch structures, merging multiple components into unified assemblies. The branches incorporate connection mechanisms that simplify assembly by combining support structures, connection points, and positioning elements into single pieces that reduce the total number of parts and assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personalized family tree displays are created, then family history can be preserved and displayed, but the solution becomes expensive and commercially unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The heart and leaf frames are designed as reusable templates that can be copied and reproduced in various sizes and configurations. The modular nature of the components allows for standardized manufacturing processes where identical parts can be mass-produced and then assembled in customized arrangements, significantly reducing per-unit costs while maintaining personalization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The photo family tree builder is a business process and a computerized method for creating a two-dimensional family tree product using software. The software allows users to organizes photos of related individuals, or couples in a family tree, according to actual family relationships. It provides cooperating templates consisting of: one or more seeds, a tree trunk with a crown: one or more branches and picture frames of leaves, hearts, love-knots, fruits or flowers of the tree, which helps the display, emulate a natural tree. The tree is expandable and capable of displaying any number of generations. It provides a way to use photos that are readily available of family members; without requiring new ones and it provides an inconspicuous and clear alternative for missing pictures. It accommodates the growth of families, through marriages, unions and births. Lastly, the picture frames and indicia tags contain a place for names and dates.