Frame with ferromagnetic transverse members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frames are cumbersome and require additional materials like matting, glass, and backings, and are not adjustable to secure items of non-standard sizes or shapes without custom manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A frame with transverse ferromagnetic bars and flexible or rigid side rails connected by friction, using magnets to securely hold framed items of various sizes and shapes without additional materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard frames with immoveable borders are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to non-standard sizes and shapes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static, fixed-configuration structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The side rails can slide along the ferromagnetic bars to different positions, allowing the frame to adapt to various item sizes and shapes while maintaining simple manufacturing of the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separate, modular components: side rails and ferromagnetic bars. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, while the combination provides adjustability through the ability to reposition components relative to each other.
2Reliability
If multiple additional materials (matting, glass, backings) are used, then item protection and presentation are improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame integrates multiple functions into a single system. The ferromagnetic bars and magnets provide both structural support and item securing functions that traditionally required separate components like glass, matting, and backings. This merging reduces the total number of materials needed while maintaining protection and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system provides self-contained item securing without requiring additional protective materials. The magnets attached to the ferromagnetic bars directly hold the framed item in place, eliminating the need for separate glass panels, matting layers, and backing boards that would otherwise be required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made frames are ordered for non-standard items, then adaptability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides dynamic adjustability through movable side rails that can be positioned at various locations along the ferromagnetic bars. This allows a single standard frame to function as a custom-fit frame for different item dimensions without requiring custom manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design creates a universal solution that can accommodate multiple item sizes and shapes using the same basic components. The side rails can be repositioned to create different frame dimensions, making one frame type suitable for various framing needs without requiring custom manufacturing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If existing frame assembly methods are used, then structural stability is achieved, but ease of operation and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic system. The magnets attached to the ferromagnetic bars provide secure holding force through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assembly steps while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system provides automatic item securing without requiring manual fastening operations. When the framed item is placed between the magnets and ferromagnetic bars, the magnetic force automatically holds it in place, eliminating the need for assembly steps involving screws, nails, or adhesive application.
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 adjustment and secure mounting of framed items of any size or shape without the need for extra materials, simplifying the framing process and accommodating diverse item configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Magnets secure a framed item to the ferromagnetic members by sandwiching the framed item between at least one magnet and at least one ferromagnetic member
Implementation Method 2
at least two transverse ferromagnetic bar and at least two longitudinal side rails that are connected with the ferromagnetic bars using only friction
Data Source
AI summary
A framing system comprising at least two transverse bars made of magnetically attractive, where each transverse bar has two ends, and each end each transvers bar connects by friction alone with a hole in a side rail. The side rails may be flexible or rigid. At least one magnet secures a framed item to at least one ferromagnetic bar by sandwiching the framed item between the magnet and the magnetically-attractive ferromagnetic bar. In preferred embodiments, two magnets secure the top of the framed item to a top ferromagnetic bar and two magnets secure the bottom of the framed item to the bottom ferromagnetic bar.