Two-Piece Owl Head Assembly for Balanced 360-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scarecrow designs with movable heads, such as those from Dalen Products, require skill and are time-consuming to assemble due to unstable mounts and one-piece head constructions that are difficult to balance and attach to pivot components.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece molded plastic head construction with unequal thicknesses and an unstable mount allowing 360-degree rotation, simplifying assembly and balancing without the need for additional weights, and a press-fit design for easier installation and reduced labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece head construction is used, then the head structure is simple, but the assembly is time-consuming and requires skill due to balancing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into two separate molded halves that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each half to be manufactured independently with built-in balance weights, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly balancing operations and reducing assembly time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The balance weights are incorporated into the molded halves during the manufacturing process itself, before assembly. This preliminary action of pre-balancing the components eliminates the need for skillful manual balancing during assembly, thereby increasing productivity without requiring complex assembly procedures
2Device complexity
If a one-piece head construction is used, then the head structure is simple, but additional balancing weights and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight function is merged into the head structure itself by incorporating weighted areas directly into the molded halves. This eliminates the need for separate balancing weights and simplifies the assembly process, as the halves are self-balancing when connected via the press-fit connection
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the head into two molded halves with built-in balance characteristics, the design eliminates complex post-assembly balancing steps. The segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the press-fit connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If an unstable mount is used, then the head can rotate 360 degrees freely, but the assembly requires skill and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The unstable mount is segmented into two separate pivot assemblies (lower and upper) that connect the two head halves. This segmentation, combined with the press-fit connection method, allows for quick assembly of the rotating mechanism without requiring skillful adjustment, while maintaining 360-degree rotational freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assemblies are pre-configured during manufacturing to provide the unstable mount geometry. This preliminary preparation of the mounting components eliminates the need for skillful assembly adjustments, thereby increasing productivity while preserving the head's ability to rotate 360 degrees freely
Data Source
AI summary
A scarecrow includes a scarecrow body corresponding generally in shape to a body of a live animal; and an assembled and balanced hollow head of molded plastic construction corresponding in shape to a head of the live animal. The assembled and balanced head includes a front face portion and a rear head portion fixed together to form the head. The front face portion has a first thickness and the rear head portion has a second thickness, the front face portion and the rear head portion being unequal in weight, with the rear head portion having selected areas on an interior surface thereof that are thicker than the first thickness and define an offset weight so that the assembled head is substantially balanced as assembled. An unstable mount is disposed between the body and the head onto which the head is rotatably mounted for 360-degree movement of the head to the body without interfering with free movement of the head, the head being balanced on the unstable mount.