Foldable Canvas Assembly with Interlocking Panels for Flat Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing canvas solutions for large formats face challenges in storage, transportation, and assembly due to the need for robust and expensive stretcher frames, which are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble, and often require specialized equipment and skills.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled, foldable canvas structure with interlocking panels and a flexible substrate, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring 'V' longitudinal grooves and snap-on connectors for secure folding and storage, enabling flat storage and transportation of large canvases with varied thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a robust stretcher frame is used for large format canvases, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and storage difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestretcher frame strengthVSAvoidcanvas weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stretcher frame is divided into multiple separate pieces that can be assembled only when needed. The frame consists of longitudinal pieces and transverse pieces that fit together to form the complete rectangular frame structure, allowing storage in a compact state and assembly into a strong structure when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a robust stretcher frame is used for large format canvases, then the structural strength is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestretcher frame strengthVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into multiple pieces that can be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner. When assembled, these pieces form a strong rectangular frame; when stored, they occupy minimal space compared to a complete rigid frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional fabric tightening method is used for large canvases, then the fabric is securely fastened, but the manufacturing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric fastening reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric tightening system is designed to be self-adjusting through the interaction of the fabric tensioning elements with the frame structure. The fabric is secured through a mechanism that automatically maintains proper tension without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional fabric tightening method is used for large canvases, then the fabric is securely fastened, but the skill level required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric fastening reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tightening mechanism is designed to automatically maintain fabric tension through its structural configuration, eliminating the need for specialized skills or equipment. The system self-regulates to provide secure fastening through simple assembly steps that any user can perform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Reliability

If glued fabric onto cardboard panel is used for big canvases, then the fabric support is improved, but the cost and storage difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric supportVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large rigid cardboard panel that requires extensive storage space, the support structure is segmented into frame pieces that can be stored compactly and assembled when needed, providing equivalent fabric support with reduced storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3511178B1Pre-assembled canvas for painting or printing
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 INVERSIONES PUNTA CIELO LTDA
  • EP3511178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3511178B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3511178B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Pre-assembled canvas (1) for painting or printing which allows flat storage and transportation, it is easy to assemble and has supports with different thicknesses, comprising a foldable supporting structure (3) and a painting or printing substrate (2), wherein said substrate is a flexible layered piece with a front face and a rear face; the foldable supporting structure is fully attached to the rear face, and is made up of a central panel, four side panels forming a perimeter around the central panel and four rear panels interlocked to each of the side panels; wherein said panels are separated by "V" longitudinal grooves (5) with an angle between 90°/100° which allows perpendicular folding of each of the panels; said canvas has some fastening means attached to the rear panels.