Planar Display Frame Assembly With Elastic Retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies, require users to assemble separate frames and mirror panes using various tools and hardware, which is time-consuming, costly, and limits customization options.
Innovation Solution
A customizable planar display assembly with interchangeable mirror panes and frames, utilizing standardized mounting hardware and elastically deformable retainer clips to simplify installation and allow for easy customization, replacement, and reconfiguration without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate frames and mirror panes are assembled using conventional hardware and tools, then the mirror assembly can be installed, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple legs (typically three) that can independently deform and engage with the frame. This segmentation allows each leg to flexibly adapt to the frame geometry during assembly, enabling tool-free installation while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by making assembly easier without increasing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically change shape during assembly. The legs can flex outward to facilitate insertion into the frame, then return to their original position to secure the mirror pane. This dynamic behavior enables quick, tool-free assembly while ensuring reliable retention, addressing both ease of operation and time efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting hardware is used, then the frame can be mounted to the support surface, but customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer design serves multiple functions: it secures the mirror pane to the frame, provides adjustment capability, and enables tool-free assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single component design to work across different frame styles and sizes, increasing customization options without requiring a variety of specialized hardware pieces for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's elastic properties and geometric parameters (leg length, angle, deformation range) can be adjusted to accommodate different frame dimensions and mirror weights. By changing these parameters rather than designing entirely different hardware for each application, the system achieves versatility and customization while maintaining a consistent basic design, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods are used, then the mirror is securely installed, but additional tools and hardware are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the mounting element and the securing mechanism. By combining the functions of traditional screws, washers, and retaining clips into one elastic retainer piece, the design simplifies installation (no tools needed) while reducing the total quantity of hardware required.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retainer is designed to be self-installing through its own deformability. The legs flex outward under their own elasticity to allow insertion, then automatically return to their original position to secure the mirror pane without requiring external tools or additional hardware components. This self-service capability reduces both installation complexity and hardware quantity.
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 easy assembly, customization, and interchangeability of mirror assemblies with standardized hardware, reducing effort and cost while providing a wide range of options for frame styles and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of retainers is elastically deformable to deform during installation of the planar display into the frame, and to expand to retain the planar display pane within the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A planar display assembly is provided with a planar display pane. A frame is provided with a dado sized to receive the planar display pane. A plurality of retainers mounts to the frame about an inner periphery of the frame to retain the planar display pane within the frame. At least one of the plurality of retainers is elastically deformable to deform during installation of the planar display into the frame, and to expand to retain the planar display pane within the frame. A plurality of apertures or a channel may be formed in the frame about the dado. The plurality of retainers may mount to the frame within the plurality of apertures or the channel of the frame to retain the planar display pane within the frame.