Adjustable Grid Drawing Frame With Elastic Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawing tools lack the ability to modify the size and alignment of grid patterns, making it difficult for artists and architects to accurately transcribe images without distorting perspective and proportionality.

Innovation Solution

A portable drawing frame with notched edges and elastic threading that allows users to adjust the grid pattern by repositioning the threads, creating customizable grid sectors for precise proportionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-printed grid patterns are used, then grid lines are fixed and easy to use, but the size and alignment configuration cannot be modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid pattern modifiabilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple segments along its perimeter, with each segment containing notches at specific positions. These notches serve as attachment points for elastic threads, allowing the grid pattern to be segmented and reconfigured. The frame perimeter is essentially segmented into multiple adjustable sections rather than a continuous fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grid pattern transitions from a static pre-printed design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Elastic threads can be removed, repositioned, and reattached to different notches on the frame segments, allowing users to dynamically adjust grid size, spacing, and alignment based on their specific drawing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed grid patterns are used, then the structure is simple, but users cannot adjust grid size or alignment for different proportionality needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid size adjustmentVSAvoidgrid reconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to easily reconfigure the grid pattern themselves without requiring tools or complex procedures. The elastic threads are designed to be manually attachable and detachable from the notches, allowing artists to independently adjust grid parameters according to their specific proportionality requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The grid pattern parameters (size, spacing, alignment) are made changeable through the repositioning of elastic threads along the frame perimeter. By moving threads between different notches on frame segments, users can alter the grid's dimensional parameters to match different proportionality needs for various artwork.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If pre-printed grids are used, then alignment is consistent, but the grids cannot be modified to suit different proportionality requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproportionality customizationVSAvoidgrid alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Notches are pre-positioned at specific locations on each frame segment during manufacturing, establishing precise reference points for thread attachment. This preliminary placement of notches ensures that when threads are attached, they will align accurately to create consistent grid patterns, even though the overall grid configuration can be adjusted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic threads serve as intermediaries between the frame structure and the grid pattern. These threads are stretched between notches on adjacent frame segments, mediating the connection and allowing for both precision (through fixed notch positions) and flexibility (through repositioning capability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate and customizable grid patterns for transcribing images, allowing users to modify the size and shape of grid sectors, enhancing the accuracy of proportionality in artwork without the need to draw gridlines directly on paper.

Implementation Method 1

Elastic threads are stretched across an upper surface of the frame and wound around frame segments disposed between notches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9440482B2Adjustable grid drawing frame

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 CUNNINGHAM DAVID

AI summary

A drawing tool is provided for assisting artists in transcribing images onto a blank medium. The device is a drawing frame of geometrical shape and has a plurality of notches disposed along the outer perimeter length. These notches are channels cut out of the edge, forming protruding segments between any two notches. Protruding segments are used as anchor sites for a series of elastic threads. A portion of the threads is wound around protruding segments disposed on opposing dies of the frame body, thereby stretching the elastic thread across the front surface of the frame body. A first grouping of the threads is secured in parallel lateral alignment, while a second group is secured in a parallel longitudinal alignment. This configuration presents a grid pattern that can be laid over an image or blank piece of paper to serve as a guide for transcription.