Spherical Crystal Fixture Assembly for Dishwasher-Safe Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ornamental light fixtures, particularly spherical crystal chandeliers, are difficult to clean and maintain due to intricate mounting structures that can be damaged by automated washing processes, and existing methods avoid using automatic dishwashers to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A disassemblable spherical ornamental fixture with a support frame assembly and arcuate sector assemblies that allow for easy servicing, relamping, and washing in an automated washer without risking damage to the ornaments or support structure, using a robust design with corrosion-resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional ornamental fixtures with intricate mounting structures are used, then aesthetic appearance and ornament retention are improved, but ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ornamental fixture is divided into multiple detachable components including a ceiling mount assembly, vertical support assemblies, and horizontal support assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be easily removed and cleaned separately, resolving the contradiction between maintaining aesthetic appearance and enabling easy cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture transitions from a static, permanently assembled structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable assembly. Connectors and joints are designed to allow easy disassembly and reassembly, enabling the fixture to be taken apart for cleaning and重新 assembled to restore its aesthetic appearance.
2Productivity
If automated washing processes are used to clean ornamental fixtures, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but damage to ornaments and support structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixture into detachable components with secure connections, the design allows automated washing machines to handle and agitate the pieces without causing damage. The robust connectors prevent ornaments from detaching during the washing process, enabling efficient automated cleaning while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures and mounting mechanisms are designed with inherent protection against the harsh conditions of automated washing. Corrosion-resistant materials and mechanically secure connections are implemented beforehand to cushion against potential damage from water jets, detergents, and mechanical agitation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting structures are used, then ornament retention is improved, but ease of disassembly for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into modular components with standardized connectors. This allows ornaments to be securely retained during normal use while enabling easy disassembly for servicing by simply detaching the modular sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed, permanent structure to a dynamic, easily reconfigurable assembly. Joints and connectors are designed to provide stable ornament retention during operation but allow quick disassembly when servicing is needed.
4Strength
If permanently assembled ornamental fixtures are used, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability for maintenance and relamping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into modular sections that maintain structural integrity when assembled but can be easily separated for maintenance and relamping. Each module is designed to preserve the overall strength while enabling adaptability for servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a permanent, rigid assembly to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modular design allows the fixture to maintain its structural integrity during normal use while adapting easily to maintenance needs through simple disassembly and reassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure.