Collapsible Canvas Frame With Interlocking Joints for Taut Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stretched fabric frames for artwork are difficult to disassemble, making them challenging to transport and ship, especially for larger sizes, as they are not intended for disassembly and incur high shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible frame system comprising outer frame members with interlocking joints and connector pieces that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, using a securing mechanism like hook and loop fasteners, screws, and sliding pieces to adjust tension, enabling the frame to be compactly stored and transported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stretched fabric frames are made permanently assembled, then the fabric tension and structural stability are maintained, but the frames become difficult to transport and ship
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate members (side rails, cross rails, corner pieces) that can be detached and reassembled. Each member is designed with specific features like recesses, protrusions, and receiving spaces that enable easy connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
2Manufacturing precision
If larger sized frames are assembled permanently, then the fabric can be stretched properly, but shipping costs become prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed to nest within each other when disassembled. Larger frame members can contain smaller ones, creating a compact collapsed configuration that reduces shipping volume and cost while allowing the same large-sized frame to be assembled and used for proper fabric stretching.
3Ease of operation
If the frame is designed to be collapsible, then transport becomes easier, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into single components. For example, corner pieces serve both as structural connectors and as guides for fabric placement. The recesses and protrusions simultaneously provide alignment guidance and mechanical connection, reducing the number of separate assembly steps despite the collapsible design.
4Strength
If conventional frames are made for permanent assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but they are not intended for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. Connection mechanisms allow the frame to be easily assembled and disassembled multiple times while maintaining structural integrity when in the assembled state, providing both strength and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for stretching a fabric material, having a plurality of outer frame members; a plurality of interlocking joints and a plurality of connector pieces. The plurality of outer frame members are adapted and configured to receive the fabric material in the plurality of interlocking joints. The plurality of connector pieces are adapted and configured to fit into the plurality of interlocking joints thereby connecting the plurality of interlocking cornered joints to the plurality of outer frame members. The plurality of connector pieces are adapted and configured such that the fabric material is stretched such that the plurality of connector pieces enables the fabric material to be taut across the frame.