Segmented Snowman Mold With Twist-Lock Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowman-making technologies are cumbersome and difficult for children and seniors to handle, often resulting in poorly formed snowmen due to large and bulky mold structures or the need for complex fasteners, which pose safety hazards and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A snowman maker comprising three hollow spherical mold sections of varying sizes that are lightweight, interlockable, and easy to assemble and disassemble using a twist-lock mechanism, allowing for safe and intuitive construction of a traditional snowman without the need for complex tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large hollow mold assembly is used to form tall snowmen figures, then the snowman figure can be formed, but the mold becomes too bulky and difficult for children to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The mold assembly is divided into multiple separate mold sections (first mold section, second mold section, third mold section) corresponding to different portions of the snowman (head, torso, legs). Each section is lightweight and can be easily handled by children, yet together they form the complete mold structure needed to create tall snowman figures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners are used to secure mold sections together, then the mold sections can be stacked and secured, but the device becomes complex and requires tools that are cumbersome for children
Solution Approach 1:
The mold sections utilize a twist-lock mechanism where rotating a mold section about its longitudinal axis engages protrusions with recesses to secure adjacent sections. This dynamic locking mechanism eliminates the need for separate fasteners and tools, allowing children to easily assemble and disassemble the mold sections by simple twisting motions.
3Ease of operation
If pivotally coupled mold sections are used for disassembly, then the mold can be taken apart, but the snowman figure may be destroyed during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mold sections are designed to be separable rather than pivotally coupled. Each section can be completely removed from the assembly by unwrapping the twist-lock mechanism, allowing the snowman figure to be carefully extracted and preserved without the risk of damage that would occur during pivotal movement or forced disassembly.
4Length of moving object
If a single-piece mold extending from top to bottom is used, then the hollow figure can be formed, but the mold is too large and cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece mold is segmented into multiple manageable sections that can be easily transported and assembled. The first mold section forms the head, the second mold section forms the torso, and the third mold section forms the legs. This segmentation maintains the capability to form complete tall snowman figures while making each individual component small enough for children to handle conveniently.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a snowman maker comprising multiple mold sections. The mold sections can be stacked on top of each other and interlocked with each other for assembling and disassembling of the snowman maker. The mold sections are sub-divided into halves that can be stacked on top of each other and interlocked with each other for assembling and disassembling of the snowman maker. Further, at least some of the mold section halves are sub-divided into two or more equal segments which are placed side-by-side and can be laterally moved for easy transportation and storage of the snowman maker. The different parts can be filled with snow and easily coupled for assembling the snowman, and later separated for disassembling of the snowman maker to reveal the snowman formed therein.