Modular Solar Display Housing With Interlocking Decorative Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-activated motion products are typically sold as single items, lacking the ability to be interconnected for creative and aesthetically appealing display combinations.
Innovation Solution
A decorative and connectable display arrangement featuring interlocking housings with a tongue and groove mechanism, including a solar energy source to drive decorative members in a predetermined motion, allowing multiple units to be easily connected and arranged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar motion products are provided as single items, then the device structure is simple, but the display versatility and aesthetic appeal are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display arrangement is divided into multiple separate housing units, each capable of independent operation with its own solar panel and decorative member. These modular units can be individually manufactured and then interconnected through tongue and groove mechanisms, allowing versatile display configurations without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each housing unit is designed with universal connection features (tongue and groove mechanisms on multiple sides) that enable the same basic unit to be connected in various configurations - horizontally, vertically, in clusters, or along edges. This multi-functional connection capability allows a single design to serve multiple display purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housings are interconnected to form display combinations, then the display aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display into identical or similar modular housing units, each unit can be manufactured using the same standardized processes and components. The tongue and groove connection features are integrated into each unit during manufacturing, so that field assembly simply requires sliding units together without requiring complex fastening procedures or specialized tools.
3Ease of operation
If housings are provided with interlock mechanisms for connection, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove connection features are merged directly into the housing structure itself rather than being separate attachment components. The tongues and grooves are formed as integral parts of the housing walls, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or complex mechanical assemblies. This integration maintains housing structural simplicity while providing easy snap-together connection capability.
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 the creation of unique and visually appealing display combinations by allowing individual units to be interconnected, enhancing the display's aesthetic appeal and interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a solar energy source supported at the housing and for driving the at least one decorative member in a predetermined motion direction
Implementation Method 2
a coil supported in the inner support frame for receiving energy from the solar panel; including an inner support frame that is disposed within the housing, said solar energy source including a solar panel that is mounted on a cap member that is disposed over the inner support frame
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative and connectable display arrangement that includes a housing of multi-sided form having opposed first and second sides and a bottom, an inner support frame that is disposed within the housing and including a cap member having an open top port, and at least one decorative member that is supported within the housing and extends upwardly through the open top port. The decorative member includes a base piece that is pivotally supported in the housing and a stem piece extending from the base piece and extending through the open top port. A solar energy source or panel is supported in the inner support frame and is effective for driving the at least one decorative member in a predetermined motion direction. The housing has 3 on opposed sides thereof an interlock tongue and groove mechanism that enables adjacent ones of the housings to be engaged together.