Foldable Image Display Structure to Reduce Shipping Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gallery wrap image displays are thick, making manufacturing, shipping, and customer image changes costly and time-consuming, with increased thickness contributing to higher costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image display with foldable sections that can be collapsed to a thinner configuration, using snap fit connections and a lattice structure for increased rigidity, allowing the image medium to be securely attached without adhesives, and easily assembled and disassembled for shipping and customer use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional gallery wrap image displays use a thick rigid structure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but shipping costs and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure is divided into multiple foldable sections that can be collapsed together. The image support section is segmented into front, back, and side portions that can fold relative to each other, reducing the overall volume from a thick rigid structure to a compact folded configuration while maintaining structural integrity through hinge connections
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure transitions from a static thick rigid form to a dynamic foldable configuration. Hinges are provided at various locations (front, back, and sides) enabling the structure to change between an expanded display configuration and a collapsed shipping configuration, adapting the volume based on operational needs
2Stability of the object's composition
If the image display assembly is made thicker to maintain rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single thick rigid piece, the structure is segmented into multiple thinner components connected by hinges. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing each individual component while achieving the required structural stability through the assembled configuration and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Hinge structures and locking mechanisms are pre-integrated into the foldable sections during manufacturing. The lattice structure is pre-formed on the image support section, and snap-fit connections are pre-configured, simplifying the final assembly process while ensuring structural stability without requiring complex post-manufacturing operations
3Strength
If traditional gallery wraps use adhesives to attach the image medium, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of image replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using adhesives to attach the image medium to the image support section, the patent employs a mechanical attachment system where the image medium can be inserted and retained through the foldable structure's geometry and locking mechanisms, enabling easy removal and replacement without chemical bonds
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable sections and their hinge connections act as intermediaries between the image medium and the support structure. The image medium is attached to the foldable sections which are then mechanically connected to the image support section, providing a reversible attachment mechanism that maintains strength while allowing easy replacement
4Volume of moving object
If the image display uses a compact folded configuration, then shipping cost is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structures, locking mechanisms, and snap-fit connections are all pre-integrated into the foldable sections during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that assembly requires only simple folding and locking actions, reducing the perceived complexity despite the multi-step assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure is designed to dynamically transition between folded and expanded configurations through simple hinge movements. The locking mechanisms automatically engage when sections are folded together, and the lattice structure provides self-aligning features that guide proper assembly, reducing the complexity barrier despite the compact folded form
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
Reduces shipping and storage costs, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for easy image changes, providing a more compact and cost-effective solution while maintaining the visual appeal of thicker gallery wraps.
Implementation Method 1
the first segment is rotatably coupled to the image support by a living hinge, and wherein the second segment is rotatably coupled to the first segment by a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
Each first segment may be configured to lock with the image support using a snap fit connection. Additionally, each of the second segments may be configured to lock with one of the first segments using a snap fit connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Image displays are disclosed. An image display may include an image support and a plurality of foldable sections. Each foldable section may have a first segment rotatably coupled to and configured to lock with the image support and a second segment rotatably coupled to and configured to lock with the first segment. The image display may have an open and an assembled configuration. Display faces of the image support, first segment, and second segment may be co-planar in the collapsed configuration. The display faces image support and the second segment may be perpendicular to the display face of the first segment in the assembled configuration.