Foldable Paper Picture Frame With Tubular Stand Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional picture frames are costly and complex to produce, heavy, and difficult to transport due to separate production of photos and frames, and lack a practical solution for displaying on flat surfaces without wall installation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable paper picture frame made from a blank sheet material with foldable wing portions and locking mechanisms that form a tubular frame, allowing for easy assembly and display on a paper stand, reducing production costs and simplifying transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional picture frames are produced with separate photo and frame components, then the frame can be made durable and functional, but the production cost increases and the production process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photo and frame into a single integrated paper structure. The photo is printed directly on the front surface of the paper blank, while the frame is formed by folding wing portions of the same paper blank. This merging eliminates the need for separate photo and frame components, reducing production complexity while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper blank serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the photo carrier, the frame structure, and the mounting mechanism. The wing portions serve dual purposes as both structural elements and locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the production process while ensuring reliability.
2Strength
If conventional picture frames use wood or plastic materials with glass covering, then the frame provides protection and structural strength, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a folded paper structure to create the frame, replacing traditional rigid materials like wood, plastic, and glass. The paper blank, when folded into tubular frame sections, provides sufficient structural strength to hold the photo while being extremely lightweight. This thin-film approach maintains protection and strength characteristics without the weight penalty of conventional materials.
3Reliability
If conventional picture frames are made heavy with glass and solid materials, then the frame is durable, but transportation fees increase and packaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame into foldable wing portions that can be collapsed flat. The paper blank is divided into functional sections (photo area, frame sections, locking mechanisms) that can be compacted. This segmentation allows the durable frame structure to be folded into a compact, flat package, dramatically improving transportation efficiency and reducing packaging requirements while maintaining durability through the interlocking design.
4Reliability
If conventional picture frames require wall installation with drilling and hooks, then the frame can be securely displayed, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-adhesive features and interlocking mechanisms directly into the paper frame structure. The wing portions fold into tubular sections that lock together without requiring external fasteners, drilling, or hooks. The frame can be displayed on walls or surfaces through its own integrated mounting features, making installation simple and tool-free while maintaining secure display capability.
5Ease of manufacture
If separate photo and frame components are used in conventional frames, then each component can be optimized independently, but assembly becomes manual and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photo and frame into a single pre-assembled paper blank. The photo is printed directly on the blank during manufacturing, and the frame structure is formed by folding predetermined sections of the same blank. This eliminates the need for manual assembly of separate components, reducing assembly time to zero while still allowing optimization of the overall design during the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a paper picture frame including a central rectangular portion and four rectangular tubular frame sections extending along four margins of the central rectangular portion at the rear surface thereof. The paper picture frame further includes a paper stand for holding the paper picture frame on a flat surface. The paper stand may be in the form of a triangular tubular structure formed by a base panel, a first side panel, and a support panel. A second side panel extends from the base panel over the support panel, and has a terminating end extending beyond the first side panel. A blank for forming the paper picture frame and a method for holding a picture in the paper picture frame supported on the paper stand are also disclosed.