Articles with one or more viewable objects therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies fail to create an aesthetically pleasing and versatile method to showcase objects in a way that they appear to float within a translucent or transparent surface, lacking in reconfigurability and decorative flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A shelf system comprising interlocking translucent or transparent members with embedded decorative objects, where the second member is formed by immersing the object in liquid polymer and curing it, allowing for selective reconfiguration and visibility through the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If objects are displayed on traditional shelves, then they are visible and accessible, but they cannot create an aesthetic effect of floating within the shelf structure
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple translucent or transparent members (first member, second member) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together using interlocking features. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining the overall aesthetic effect of objects floating within the shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shelf members have different optical properties - some areas are translucent or transparent to allow visibility of embedded objects, while other areas can be opaque or have different translucency levels. This local quality variation enables selective visibility and creates the floating effect in specific zones without compromising overall structural integrity.
2Strength
If shelf members are made opaque for structural integrity, then they provide stable support, but embedded decorative objects cannot be viewed through the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf members are constructed from translucent or transparent materials that combine the structural strength needed for support with the optical clarity required for viewing embedded objects. This composite material approach eliminates the need to choose between strength and visibility, as the translucent material provides both properties simultaneously.
3Reliability
If display configurations are fixed for stability, then the shelf structure remains reliable, but reconfigurability and decorative flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system incorporates movable and adjustable components including interlocking features that allow members to be assembled and disassembled, and shelf members that can be repositioned at different heights or angles. This dynamic design enables the shelf to be reconfigured for different display needs while maintaining structural stability during each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features and standardized connection mechanisms are designed to work with multiple shelf member configurations and orientations. The same interlocking system can accommodate various display arrangements, making the shelf system universally adaptable to different decorative and functional requirements while maintaining reliable connections.
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 the selective reconfiguration of displayed objects to appear as if they float within the shelf, offering enhanced decorative flexibility and aesthetic appeal by using translucent or transparent materials for the shelf members.
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.