Dynamic Shadow Box With Water Flow And LED Lighting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional shadow boxes are static, losing appeal after multiple views due to their unchanging visual appearance, which limits their artistic impact.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of dynamic effects such as water droplets, mists, fogs, streams, and programmable LED lighting to create a continuously changing visual presentation, simulating natural phenomena like precipitation and movement, enhancing the depth and perspective of the artwork.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional static shadow boxes are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visual appeal decreases after multiple views due to unchanging appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidvisual appeal over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static shadow box into a dynamic display by incorporating water flow systems, programmable LED lighting, and movable components that change the visual appearance over time. The water flow creates shifting patterns and reflections, while the lighting system can change colors and intensity, making the display continuously engaging and preventing visual boredom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes programmable LED lighting that can change parameters such as color, brightness, and timing patterns. The water flow system can adjust flow rate, direction, and distribution patterns. These parameter changes enable the shadow box to present different visual appearances continuously, maintaining high visual appeal across multiple viewing sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic effects like water flow and programmable lighting are added, then visual appeal and captivation are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appealVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into unified systems. For example, the water flow system serves both aesthetic purposes and can be used to clean the display surface. The programmable LED lighting provides both illumination and visual effect. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates automated control systems that enable the shadow box to operate and change visual effects without manual intervention. The programmable lighting and water flow systems can be automatically controlled through microcontrollers or microprocessors, allowing the display to reset, change patterns, and maintain optimal visual appearance autonomously, reducing the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If water sources, pumps, and conduits are used to create dynamic effects, then continuous visual changes are achieved, but maintenance requirements and reliability concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous circulation systems where water is pumped through conduits and returned to the source, creating an endless loop that maintains continuous visual effects without interruption. The programmable lighting operates continuously or in continuous cycles, ensuring the shadow box is always visually engaging. This continuous operation is achieved through automated control that prevents leakage and ensures proper water circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the water flow, lighting operation, and overall system status. If anomalies are detected such as leakage, blockage, or power failures, the system can automatically adjust or alert users, maintaining reliability and continuous operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the system self-corrects minor issues and maintains optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The dynamic visual effects significantly enhance the artistic appeal and allure of shadow boxes, making them more captivating and visually interesting compared to static displays.

Implementation Method 1

water flowing down the surface behind the panels, down the panels themselves, or down a piece of glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

water in a basin beneath the panels allowing light and reflection to create moving patterns across the artwork

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Dynamic light in the form of LEDs, lasers, incandescent bulbs, etc. can also be used to simulate lightning, sunrise, sunset, moonlight, or create shadows that simulate movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

fog effects (high-pressure water, nitrogen, ultrasonic, or other fog system)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentUS11987072B2Three dimensional shadow box with water flow
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 OUTSIDE THE LINES INC
  • US11987072B2 patent drawing
  • US11987072B2 patent drawing
  • US11987072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An artistic presentation in the form of a shadow box is disclosed where the shadow box has been augmented with various dynamic visual effects. One such dynamic visual effect is the movement of water across the shadow box, simulating rain droplets, waterfall, sheets of water, or aerosolized water such as fog or mist. When combined with various lighting effects, the combined dynamic visual presentation permits a constantly changing visual appearance that can recycle and go on indefinitely.