Interlocking Display Fastener for Stable Folded Image Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting and displaying images, such as stretching canvas over frames or using staples/adhesives, fail to provide a professional and stable display while being inefficient in production time and cost, and often require additional support to prevent warping.
Innovation Solution
An image display assembly featuring a foldable base with interlocking fasteners that form nearly perfect 90° corners, using a convex equiangular polygonal planar body with cantilever tabs and v-grooves for secure assembly, allowing for efficient production of artistic displays that can be hung or freestanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stretching or stapling methods are used to mount images, then the image can be displayed, but the appearance is not professional and the structure is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple segments that can be folded along v-grooves to form a stable three-dimensional structure. This segmentation allows the base to achieve structural stability while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from a flat two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional folded state through the folding mechanism. This dynamic transformation allows the base to achieve structural stability when needed while remaining easy to store and transport when not in use, addressing both reliability and complexity concerns.
2Reliability
If additional support structures like rigid back panels or foam are added to prevent warping, then the display becomes more stable, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure itself provides the anti-warping support through its folded three-dimensional configuration, eliminating the need for additional support structures like rigid back panels or foam. The interlocking segments create inherent structural stability that prevents warping while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The base uses a flexible yet rigid material that can be folded along v-grooves to form a stable structure. This material property allows the base to achieve anti-warping stability through its own geometry rather than requiring additional support elements, thus maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If a simple flat mounting surface is used, then the production is efficient, but the display lacks professional appearance and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The base dynamically transforms from a simple flat mounting surface to a stable three-dimensional structure through folding. This allows the system to maintain production efficiency during manufacturing while achieving professional appearance and stability during display, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from two-dimensional flat mounting surface to three-dimensional folded structure. This dimensional change enables the base to achieve professional appearance and structural stability while maintaining ease of production, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
4Reliability
If complex support structures are used to ensure stability, then the display becomes more reliable, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently folded and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process by breaking down a complex structure into manageable parts, while the interlocking design ensures structural stability is achieved through simple folding actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure self-assembles through folding along pre-formed v-grooves, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures. The interlocking segments automatically lock into place, providing structural stability without requiring difficult assembly operations, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for an image display assembly comprising a polygonal planar body having a ventral surface with at least one fastening member extending from the ventral surface. The fastening member comprises a fastening member body and at least one cantilever tab extending from the fastening member body. Each cantilever tab comprises a fastener retainer facing the ventral surface. Also provided is an image display assembly comprising retaining features; an assembled image display comprising said image display assembly and said fastener; a kit comprising said image display assembly and said fastener; a method of creating an image display; and use of said image display assembly and said fastener to create an image display.