Translucent Shelf Members with Embedded Objects and Interlocking Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies fail to create an aesthetically pleasing and reconfigurable method to showcase objects as if they float within a translucent or transparent surface, lacking versatility and decorative flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A shelf system comprising interlocking members with a channel and rail design, where at least one member is made of translucent or transparent material, allowing a decorative object to be embedded and visible through the surface, with wall-mounting hardware and a method of forming using liquid polymer and a mold cavity to embed the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If objects are displayed on the surface of opaque shelves, then visibility and clarity are improved, but aesthetic appeal and decorative flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency changes to the shelf material, allowing it to transition from opaque to translucent/transparent states. This enables the shelf to display objects both on its surface and within its structure, providing varied aesthetic effects while maintaining visibility. The translucent material allows light to pass through, creating different visual perceptions of the displayed objects.
2Reliability
If display structures are made fixed and stable, then reliability is improved, but reconfigurability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure is divided into multiple independent shelf members that can be individually positioned and configured. Each shelf member can be separately attached or removed, allowing the overall structure to be reconfigured while maintaining stability during use. The segmentation enables flexible arrangement of display surfaces at different heights and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure incorporates dynamic characteristics through its adjustable and reconfigurable design. Shelf members can be moved between different positions and configurations, allowing the display to adapt to different needs while maintaining stable operation in each configured state. The system transitions between static stable states rather than being fixed in a single configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decorative objects are embedded within translucent or transparent members, then aesthetic appeal and visual interest are improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Decorative objects are embedded within the shelf members during the manufacturing process itself, rather than attempting to insert them afterward. This preliminary action of embedding objects during fabrication simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining multiple steps (creating the translucent member and positioning the decorative object) into a single integrated operation.
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
Enables selective reconfiguration and aesthetic enhancement by displaying objects as if they float, providing a versatile and visually appealing method to showcase items through transparent or translucent surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
curing the liquid polymer to form the second shelf member and so that the decorative object is completely embedded within the second shelf member
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes at least first and second members. A decorative object is within the second member. Interlocking features are adapted to removably interlock the first and second members together. The interlocking features include a channel and a rail that are complementarily shaped so that the rail is receivable within the channel to removably interlock the rail with the channel. At least the second member is formed of a translucent or transparent material so that the decorative object within the second member is visible through the member.