Hanging frame assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for hanging substrates like canvases require special construction features, such as top pockets or channels, which complicate assembly and are not easily adaptable for various substrate types.
Innovation Solution
A hanging frame assembly comprising pairs of splines with raised ridges and rails with recessed channels, along with end caps and an elongated hanging element, allows for easy assembly and secure hanging without the need for substrate-specific features, using a complementary design to capture the substrate between the spline and rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frames with top pockets or channels are used to hang substrates, then the substrate can be securely hung, but the assembly becomes complex and requires special construction features on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate components: rails with recessed channels and splines with raised ridges that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows the substrate to be captured by the interlocking rail-spline mechanism without requiring pre-formed pockets or channels in the substrate itself, thereby simplifying substrate construction while maintaining secure hanging capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming pockets or channels in the substrate to receive a hanging rod (conventional approach), this invention inverts the approach by providing recessed channels in the rails that receive raised ridges from splines, thereby capturing the substrate between these complementary features. This inversion eliminates the need for special substrate construction while achieving secure attachment
2Reliability
If conventional frames require top pockets or closed channels in the substrate, then hanging is achieved, but adaptability to different substrate types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rail-spline mechanism with recessed channels and raised ridges serves as a universal attachment system that can accommodate various substrate types (canvases, photographs, artwork) without requiring substrate-specific features. The complementary channel-ridge interface provides a standardized method for capturing different substrates, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable hanging capability
Data Source
AI summary
An article for hanging on a support surface includes a substrate having a first end and a second end. The article includes a pair of rails with each rail including a recessed channel that extends in a longitudinal direction. A pair of splines is provided with each spline including a raised ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction. The raised ridge is inserted into the recessed channel. The article also includes a first pair of end caps. An elongated hanging element passes through the slots of the first pair of end caps. Wherein in an assembled state, one rail and one spline are disposed adjacent one another such that the raised ridge is at least partially inserted into the recessed channel and the substrate is captured within the recessed channel and the first pair of end caps are disposed over opposite ends of the one rail and one spline to join and hold the one rail and one spline against one another with the substrate captured therebetween.