Outdoor Memorial Display Case Weatherproofing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of outdoor memorials specifically designed for displaying commemorative images at a survivor's home, as existing memorials are primarily adapted for indoor or cemetery use.

Innovation Solution

A weatherproof outdoor memorial system comprising a wooden post for in-ground mounting, a display case with a frame and center display, using weather-resistant materials like weather-treated wood, corrosion-treated metals, and fiberglass, with a transparent face made of acrylic, clear fiberglass, or tempered glass to protect the commemorative image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional memorial materials (wood, glass, plastic) are used without weatherproof treatment, then the memorial can be manufactured easily and at low cost, but the materials will deteriorate rapidly when exposed to outdoor weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability in outdoor conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining weather-treated wood for the frame structure with UV-resistant acrylic for the transparent face. This combination creates a memorial that resists outdoor weathering while maintaining ease of construction through standardized weatherproof material specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies material parameters by specifying weather-treated wood with enhanced moisture resistance and UV-resistant acrylic with improved solar radiation tolerance. These parameter changes enable the memorial to withstand outdoor conditions without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the memorial is designed for permanent outdoor display, then it provides lasting commemoration, but it requires specialized weatherproof materials and construction methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermanent display capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memorial into distinct functional components: a weather-treated wood frame for structural support and protection, and a UV-resistant acrylic face for image display. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall construction process through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weather-treated wood frame acts as an intermediary protective layer between the external outdoor environment and the memorial image. This mediator shields the image from direct exposure to weather elements while maintaining visibility through the transparent acrylic face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-weatherproof materials are used, then the memorial can be displayed outdoors initially, but the image will fade and deteriorate due to exposure to sun, rain, and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to fading and weather damageVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective actions by pre-treating the wood with weather-resistant coatings and pre-applied UV protection to the acrylic face during manufacturing. This preliminary protection prevents future deterioration and fading, reducing the need for costly maintenance or material replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent avoids the need for expensive replacement by using durable weatherproof materials from the outset. While the initial material cost is higher than non-weatherproof alternatives, the extended service life and lack of maintenance requirements provide cost effectiveness over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9284745B2Outdoor memorial display case
Publication Date: 2016.03.15 MARCO NICK
  • US9284745B2 patent drawing
  • US9284745B2 patent drawing
  • US9284745B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memorial for outdoor display is disclosed. The memorial includes a post for mounting in the ground and a display case. The display case is further comprised of a frame and a center display. The frame comprises three pieces situated on the bottom, left and right of the display case. Each piece includes a groove along an interior surface. Adapted to fit within the groove are two components of the center display: a transparent face and a print. A backing member is adapted to be disposed on the back of the frame pieces.