Integral Segmented Support Plate for Picture Frame Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picture frame support plates are weak and prone to collapse, leading to instability and potential frame falls, while maintaining a low-cost product is a requirement.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic backing plate with integral frame stands formed by cut lines creating plastic strips and hinges, allowing for angular orientation and support through grooves, enhancing structural integrity without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fold-out stand is laser cut or die cut into the support plate, then the cost of the picture frame is reduced, but the stand becomes weak and easily collapses
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple segments (first stand portion, second stand portion, third stand portion) connected by hinge areas. This segmentation allows each part to be thinner and easier to manufacture while the combined structure provides sufficient strength. The hinge areas act as flexible connectors that enable the segmented structure to function as a unified support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with portions extending in different directions. The first stand portion extends from the rear support plate, the second stand portion extends from the first stand portion, and the third stand portion extends from the second stand portion, creating a multi-level support structure that distributes loads across multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single flat element.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stand is made thinner to reduce material usage and cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the stand becomes less stable and more prone to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple segments (first stand portion, second stand portion, third stand portion) connected by hinge areas. This segmentation allows each part to be thinner and easier to manufacture while the combined structure provides sufficient strength. The hinge areas act as flexible connectors that enable the segmented structure to function as a unified support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with portions extending in different directions. The first stand portion extends from the rear support plate, the second stand portion extends from the first stand portion, and the third stand portion extends from the second stand portion, creating a multi-level support structure that distributes loads across multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single flat element.
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
The solution provides a robust and stable support for picture frames, maintaining a low-cost structure by utilizing molded plastic sheets with strategically cut lines and grooves, ensuring the frame remains upright and securely positioned.
Implementation Method 1
A thinned linear area is defined between the pair of points at the end of the strip attached to the sheet so as to create a plastic hinge such that the first strip can be bent at an angle out of the plane of the plastic sheet
Implementation Method 2
the end of the second plastic strip can be placed in the groove to support the first plastic strip at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the plastic sheet to form a support for the backing plate
Data Source
AI summary
A photograph frame has a backing plate with an integrally formed support member that can be bent out of a plane of the backing plate to support the frame at a viewing angle. The support member incorporates an integral locking member that is bent out of a plane of the support member to maintain the support member in a fixed position. Both the support member and locking member are formed in situ with the backing plate.