Corrugated Erasable Board with Embedded Graphics and Modular Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional erasable surfaces, such as whiteboards, face issues with durability, longevity, smudging, and limited functionality, including the inability to retain permanent ink without damaging backgrounds, and are often toxic and uni-planar, lacking versatility and multifunctionality.

Innovation Solution

The development of lightweight, multi-functional polymeric erasable boards with embedded images and dual-sided capabilities, featuring a corrugated structure that allows for writing, storage, and concealment of information, using glycol ether-based coatings for easy erasure and water resistance, and incorporating pegs and hinges for versatile installation and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional white boards are used to provide a large writing surface, then writing area is improved, but weight and installation complexity increase requiring professional labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewriting surface areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The white board is divided into multiple individual panels that can be independently handled and installed. Each panel is lightweight enough for single-person installation, yet multiple panels can be assembled to create large writing surfaces, resolving the contradiction between large area and installation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed with universal mounting features that allow them to be installed on various surfaces (walls, doors, partitions) using simple hardware. The same panel design serves both as a writing surface and as a modular component that can be configured in different arrangements, reducing installation complexity while maintaining large writing area capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional white boards are used continuously, then writing function is maintained, but surface durability decreases causing chipping and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous writing capabilityVSAvoidsurface durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The surface material parameters are changed by using a durable polymer coating or laminate over the board surface. This coating layer provides resistance to chipping, scratching, and wear while maintaining the erasable writing properties, allowing continuous use without degradation of surface durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The white board is constructed as a composite structure with a rigid core (such as MDF or particle board) covered by a durable, erasable surface layer. This composite construction combines the structural integrity needed for durability with the surface properties needed for continuous writing and erasing without chipping or wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If erasable markers are used on traditional white boards, then writing flexibility is improved, but ink retention causes smudging and background damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewriting flexibilityVSAvoidink smudging and background damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The erasable surface mechanism is replaced with a permanent writing surface that accepts both permanent and temporary markings. The surface is designed to accommodate permanent markers without ink retention, eliminating smudging and background damage while maintaining writing flexibility through the use of different marker types for different purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If standard white boards are manufactured, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality is limited to single-sided writing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfunctional versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The board is designed with dual-sided functionality where both front and back surfaces are optimized for writing. Additional features such as integrated storage compartments, mounting hardware on multiple surfaces, and reinforced edges for various mounting orientations are incorporated, allowing the same manufacturing process to produce a multi-functional product that can be used in diverse applications without complicating the core manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12145396B2Write erasable component system

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 OCONNOR TIM

AI summary

A series of devices that allow for embedding of an image as a background while also affording the user the ability to write and print on the surface, with erasable capabilities, thus providing a multifunctional product for use in numerous industries. The devices are manufactured from predominately corrugated plastic. In one embodiment a one piece, removably attachable, cabinet system and graphic display system. In an additional embodiment, a writable board, or peg board comprising a front panel and a rear panel wherein the panels are interconnected by parallel rows, or corrugations, these panels include a writable and erasable surface. The present invention relates to assemblies of corrugated systems to better serve personal, business, and educational needs.