Awards trophy assembly system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trophy assembly methods using threaded rods are labor-intensive, costly, and inefficient, particularly due to the high number of components required, which increases inventory and shipping expenses, and limits customization and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A trophy assembly system that friction-fits columns into slots or recesses in a base, using adhesives for secure attachment and alignment aids to ensure proper orientation, eliminating the need for threaded rods and associated hardware, and accommodating various base materials like wood, marble, and composite bases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded rods and compression hardware are used to assemble trophies, then structural rigidity is achieved, but the number of components increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alignment and connection functions into a single integrated alignment member that combines alignment features, connection mechanisms, and structural support elements. This merging of multiple components (threaded rods, nuts, alignment features) into one unified component directly reduces the total component count while maintaining structural rigidity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural alignment, connection between trophy components, structural support, and positioning features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the required structural rigidity.
2Strength
If threaded rods and multiple hardware components are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trophy into modular components (base, column, lid, figure) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled using the integrated alignment member. This segmentation allows for pre-manufactured precision components that snap or lock together, dramatically reducing assembly labor while maintaining structural integrity through precise fit-up of the segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment member is pre-designed with built-in alignment features and connection mechanisms that guide the assembly process. The trophy components are pre-manufactured with matching features, so when assembled, they automatically align and connect without requiring manual measurement, adjustment, or complex fastening operations, thereby reducing assembly labor intensity while ensuring structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hardware assemblies are used, then trophies can be assembled, but inventory and shipping expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (threaded rods, nuts, washers, alignment features) into a single integrated alignment member. This consolidation reduces the quantity of separate parts that need to be inventoried, stored, and shipped, while still providing the necessary assembly capability for trophies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary hardware components from the traditional assembly system. By removing redundant elements like separate nuts, washers, and multiple rods, and replacing them with a streamlined integrated alignment member, the inventory volume and shipping requirements are significantly reduced while maintaining full assembly functionality.
4Strength
If threaded rod assemblies are used, then structural connection is achieved, but customization and ease of assembly are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, modular alignment member design that can be adapted to different trophy configurations. The integrated alignment member can accommodate various column diameters, heights, and configurations through adjustable or interchangeable features, enabling customization while maintaining structural connection. This dynamic design allows the same basic alignment member to serve multiple trophy types and configurations.
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
This solution allows for quick, easy assembly and customization of trophies without the need for threaded rods, reducing labor and shipping costs, and enabling efficient use of space, while accommodating a broader range of base materials.
Implementation Method 1
columns are friction fitted into slots or recesses in a base
Data Source
AI summary
An easily assembled trophy assembly system in which columns are friction fitted into slots or recesses in a base and provides for adhesives to secure the columns and bases together and alignment means to ensure proper alignment and orientation of columns on bases. The disclosed system provides attachment means to work with trophies that uses wooden, marble and composite bases.