Solar Bird Bath with LED Channel Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bird bath fountains face challenges such as hazardous electrical installations, difficult solar-powered motor operation in wet environments, unsightly solar cells, and high costs due to solar cell expenses, as well as startup issues under low sunlight conditions.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered bird bath with a frame featuring spiral or radial members with channel pathways for LED lights, a photovoltaic cell for energy conversion, a rechargeable battery, and a wireless remote control, along with a translucent basin and vibratory system, providing a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective lighting solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a solar-powered electric motor is used in a wet environment, then the bird bath can be powered by solar energy, but the motor lifespan is reduced due to wet conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power operationVSAvoidmotor lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the electric motor from the system entirely. Instead of using a solar-powered motor that would deteriorate in wet conditions, the invention uses solar cells to directly power LED lights, eliminating the motor component that causes reliability issues in wet environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical solar-powered motor system with a direct electrical system where solar cells convert sunlight to electricity that directly powers LED lights. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components vulnerable to wet conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If solar cells are used to power the bird bath, then renewable energy is utilized, but the solar cells are inherently unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy utilizationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED lights to change the visual appearance of the bird bath by creating colorful light displays in the water feature. This transforms the aesthetic experience, making the functional solar cells less noticeable while adding visual appeal through dynamic lighting effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The water feature acts as an intermediary that obscures the solar cells. The solar cells are positioned to power the lighting system, and the water in the bird bath visually masks the solar components while the LED lights create attractive visual effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If an electric motor is used in low sunlight conditions, then the bird bath can operate, but the motor has difficulty starting up under low voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in low sunlightVSAvoidstartup capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electric motor system with a direct solar-to-LED electrical system. LEDs can operate efficiently at low voltages produced by solar cells in low sunlight conditions, eliminating the startup problems associated with motors requiring higher voltage to initiate operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If solar cells are used to power the bird bath, then renewable energy is utilized, but the cost of the apparatus is almost directly proportional to the cost of the solar cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive LED lights instead of expensive motors, and positions solar cells to power only the lighting system. LEDs are cost-effective components with long operational life, and the reduced power requirements allow for smaller, less expensive solar cell arrays compared to motor-driven systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution offers a safe, efficient, and visually appealing bird bath fountain that operates effectively under various light conditions, reducing installation hazards and costs while attracting birds with a striking lighting feature.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the lighting elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11246296B2Electric powered bird bath

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 EVERGREEN ENTERPRISES OF VIRGINIA LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a bird bath. In one configuration, a frame as a plurality lighting elements therein. A stand is provided for supporting the frame. The bath may include a control component for controlling the lighting elements and a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the lighting elements. In another aspect, the frame may include a plurality of spiral frame members. In yet another aspect, the spiral members have a channel pathway and the lighting elements are disposed in the channel pathway. In yet another aspect, the frame may includes a plurality of radial members. In yet another aspect, the radial members have a channel pathway and the lighting elements are disposed in the channel pathway.