Foldable Cornerlock Frame Assembly for Hidden Corner Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame assemblies for supporting articles, such as window frames, require additional manufacturing time and cost due to the need for external brackets for reinforcement, which also affect the aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A foldable cornerlock with movable body portions is integrated into the frame member, allowing for internal reinforcement without external components, enabling the frame member to be bent and forming corners without compromising the exterior appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external brackets are used to reinforce the frame member at corners, then the structural integrity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cornerlock is nested within the interior of the frame member, with its body portions positioned inside the hollow interior space. This allows the reinforcement structure to be hidden from external view, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing structural support at the corners.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement function is extracted from external brackets and relocated to an internal cornerlock mechanism. By removing the need for external attachment components and integrating the reinforcement function within the frame's interior, the solution eliminates aesthetic compromise while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If external brackets are used to reinforce the frame member, then the structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cornerlock is designed as an integrated component that combines the reinforcement function with the frame member itself. By merging the corner reinforcement function into a single internal component rather than requiring separate external brackets and their attachment hardware, the manufacturing process is simplified and time is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The cornerlock serves multiple functions: it reinforces the corner structurally, provides a mounting point for the corner reinforcement, and maintains aesthetic appearance by remaining hidden. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external bracket components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Strength
If multiple frame members are used to form the frame assembly, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is segmented to include an integrated hollow interior space that accommodates the cornerlock. This segmentation allows the reinforcement mechanism to be built into the frame member itself rather than requiring separate external components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly supports an article. The frame assembly comprises a frame member having a plurality of walls extending between a first end and a second end. The walls define an interior of the frame member. The frame assembly also comprises at least one foldable cornerlock. The foldable cornerlock has first and second body portions movable relative to each other. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly comprises the steps of forming at least one notch in the frame member spaced from the ends of the frame member, inserting the foldable cornerlock into the notch, and bending the frame member about the notch of the frame member.