Display Board Clips for Stackable Modular Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display boards are not stackable and lack flexibility in configuration, as support rails can only accommodate up to two boards and do not allow for easy rearrangement between overlying and side-by-side arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A display board system featuring clips with upwardly facing cavities and downwardly extending tabs that allow multiple boards to be stacked and rearranged, with the tabs of one board fitting into the cavities of another, enabling vertical stacking and horizontal alignment on a support rail, and spacers for maintaining spacing and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If display boards are supported independently by stands or hangers, then each board is stable and independently supported, but the arrangement is limited and boards cannot be stacked or rearranged between overlying and side-by-side configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components: clips with cavities and tabs that can be attached to individual boards, and support rails that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows boards to be independently supported yet easily reconfigured between vertical stacking and side-by-side arrangements without requiring complex integrated support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips with cavities and tabs serve multiple functions: they attach to individual boards, connect boards vertically through stacking, and interface with support rails for horizontal arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different support mechanisms for different configurations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a support rail is used to support one or more display boards, then the rail can support the boards, but it cannot accommodate more than two boards and rearrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clip design features nested cavity-tab structures where tabs from lower boards fit into cavities of upper boards, creating a nested stacking arrangement. This nesting mechanism allows multiple boards (more than two) to be vertically stacked while maintaining stability, and the same clips interface with support rails for horizontal configuration, enabling unlimited rearrangement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display boards are arranged in overlying or side-by-side configurations, then space utilization is improved, but the ability to rearrange between configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from static independent stands to dynamic clip-rail connections that enable easy reconfiguration. The clips with cavities and tabs create movable connections between boards and rails, allowing users to quickly switch between vertical stacking and side-by-side arrangements without permanent fixation, thus reducing rearrangement time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A display board system includes a first display board, a second display board, a first clip, and a second clip. The first clip is coupled to the first display board and includes a body and a top portion coupled to the body generally above an upper edge of the first display board. The top portion has an upwardly facing cavity and a downwardly extending tab. The second clip is coupled to the second display board and includes a body and a top portion coupled to the body generally above an upper edge of the second display board. The top portion has an upwardly facing cavity and a downwardly extending tab. The tab of the second clip is receivable in the cavity of the first clip to support the second display board on the first display board.