Outdoor Solar Lamp Base with Interchangeable Leveling Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional outdoor solar lamps lack stability and adjustability on hard and uneven surfaces, leading to tilting or damage, and fail to address issues like mold buildup and surface staining due to lack of air gaps.
Innovation Solution
A modular, adjustable base with interchangeable folding feet and pointed ridges provides a tripod support system that can be adjusted for different surfaces, creating an air gap and ensuring stability on various outdoor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional flat-bottomed lamp base is used, then the lamp can be manufactured simply, but it tilts unsteadily and damages hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple functional components: a main base body and interchangeable leveling feet (flat feet for hard surfaces, pointed feet for soft surfaces). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base system incorporates multiple types of leveling feet that can be interchanged based on surface conditions. The same base body can accommodate both flat feet for hard surfaces and pointed feet for soft surfaces, making the base universal for different outdoor environments.
2Device complexity
If a traditional fixed base is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate uneven or non-uniform surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates adjustable leveling feet that can be modified in height and configuration to adapt to different surface conditions. The feet can be adjusted independently to compensate for uneven surfaces, transforming a static base into a dynamic, adaptable support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling feet can be adjusted in height and interchanged between different types (flat or pointed) to change the base's interaction parameters with the support surface. This allows the same base structure to accommodate various surface types by modifying the contact parameters.
3Area of stationary object
If a flat base rests directly on the surface, then contact is maximized, but mold buildup and surface staining occur due to trapped moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the base from direct contact with the support surface by using elevated leveling feet. This creates an air gap between the base and surface, removing the harmful effect of trapped moisture while maintaining sufficient contact area through the feet for stable support.
4Reliability
If pointed base members are used for soft surfaces, then vertical support is achieved, but the lamp cannot be used on hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The base system incorporates multiple types of leveling feet that can be interchanged based on surface conditions. The same base body can accommodate both flat feet for hard surfaces and pointed feet for soft surfaces, making the base universal for different outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling feet can be adjusted in height and interchanged between different types (flat or pointed) to change the base's interaction parameters with the support surface. This allows the same base structure to accommodate various surface types by modifying the contact parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor lamp includes a weighted base, an upstanding pole, and a decorative lamp housing. The weighted base includes a plurality of removable, folding, joinable, and adjustable leveling elements that attach along the underside surface of the base to form a tripod support. The decorative lamp housing includes a translucent light housing surrounding a lamp enclosure having a light source, a solar cell, and an ambient light sensor. The leveling elements include interchangeable folding feet and pointed ridge members each having threaded connections to the base individually or in series, to maintain the gravitationally centered orientation of the base and the upstanding pole over most surfaces. A plurality of storage clips retain and stow un-deployed leveling elements within the gap provided between the base and the ground surface. The upstanding pole attaches to the base and supports the decorative lamp housing.