Shadow box

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shadow boxes are either too expensive or lack customization options while maintaining rigidity, and there is a need for more affordable and customizable solutions.

Innovation Solution

The development of shadow boxes with internal structural supports, such as frame and shelving support inserts, made from materials like cardboard, which can be assembled using manufacturing blanks with fold lines and slots to accommodate inserts, providing rigidity and allowing for customizable display options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional shadow boxes are made with sufficient rigidity to hold 3D objects, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shadow box frame is divided into multiple segments with hollow sides that can accommodate separate support inserts. These inserts are inserted into cavities within the frame segments, allowing the structure to be built from smaller, less expensive components rather than requiring a single expensive rigid material throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shadow box combines multiple materials with different properties - the frame is made from one material while support inserts are made from different materials optimized for specific functions. This composite approach allows each component to be manufactured from the most cost-effective material for its specific purpose while achieving overall structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If shadow boxes are designed with customization options for different displays, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with universal features including hollow sides with cavities that can accommodate various types of support inserts, tabs that can engage with different insert configurations, and slots that can receive different shelving supports. This universal design allows a single frame structure to support multiple customization options without requiring complex specialized components for each display type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shadow box incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as shelving supports that can be positioned at different heights via slots, and support inserts that can be added or removed from hollow sides. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to different display needs while maintaining a relatively simple base framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250351979A1Shadow box

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SHADOWPOP DISPLAYS LLC(US)

AI summary

A shadow box and a manufacturing blank for a shadowbox. A shadow box includes a frame having multiple sides collectively defining a window. The sides include one or more hollow sides defining respective cavities. The sides further include one or more tabs. On or more frame support inserts are disposed in the frame, with each of the at least one frame support insert having a respective size and a respective shape. Each frame support insert is disposed in the cavity of a corresponding hollow side. The cavity of each hollow side is defined based on the size and the shape of the corresponding frame support insert such that each frame support insert fits snugly in the corresponding hollow side.