Trophy device and method of making the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current trophy assembly methods require manual, upside-down assembly and alignment of parts, leading to instability and difficulty in securing columns, especially during handling and shipping, and lack a practical way to interchange plaques.
Innovation Solution
A trophy apparatus featuring cylindrical columns with grooves, a base with top-side grooves, a lid with bottom-side grooves, and a plaque mount with U-shaped prongs and inner tracks, allowing for secure assembly, stability, and interchangeable plaques through a track system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual assembly with nuts and bolts is used, then the trophy can be assembled, but the columns are unstable and can shift during handling and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces column caps as intermediary components that fit over the top of columns and engage with the lid. These caps provide a larger surface area for nut attachment and distribute the clamping force more effectively, preventing column shift while maintaining ease of assembly. The cap acts as a mediator between the column and the fastening mechanism, improving stability without complicating the assembly process.
2Device complexity
If columns are held in place solely by nut tightness, then the assembly is simple, but the columns can easily shift around during handling and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to column security by extending the fastening mechanism upward with column caps that fit over the column tops. This creates a multi-dimensional constraint system where columns are secured both horizontally by base nuts and vertically by lid nuts engaging with the caps, preventing shifting in multiple directions while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Reliability
If plaques are attached using mounting tape or screws, then the plaque is secured, but it is cumbersome or ineffective to change a plaque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic plaque attachment system using a track and roller mechanism. The plaque can be easily inserted and removed by sliding it along the track, allowing for quick interchangeability. The roller provides sufficient friction to hold the plaque securely during normal use, but allows controlled movement when force is applied, enabling easy replacement without tools or complex procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If free hand alignment is used during assembly, then the assembly process is simple, but it creates difficulty in ensuring that each column is straight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment features as intermediary elements between the base and columns. These features guide the columns into proper vertical alignment during assembly, ensuring straight columns without requiring complex alignment procedures. The alignment features act as mediators that translate the simple assembly action into precise column positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A trophy apparatus, comprising a plurality of columns; a base piece comprising a plurality of grooves, each configured to attach to a bottom end of each of the plurality of columns, and further comprising an interface configured to couple to a plaque mount; and a lid piece comprising a plurality of grooves, each configured to attach to a top end of each of the plurality of columns.