Interlocking frame assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional framing solutions for displaying items are costly and lack the ability to easily connect multiple frames in a customized grid or layout, limiting user-defined arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking frame system featuring toggle latches or tabs that can be rotated to engage with adjacent frames, allowing for customizable linear arrays or grids, along with an adjustable backing piece for secure item display and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional framing solutions are used, then the frame structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to connect multiple frames in customized grids or layouts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular components with standardized locking mechanisms. Each frame unit contains toggle latches and locking slots that can independently engage with adjacent frames, enabling flexible assembly of multiple frames into customized grids or linear arrays while maintaining simple individual frame construction
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with universal compatibility across all frame units. The toggle latches and locking slots are standardized features present on all frames, allowing any frame to connect with any other frame in multiple orientations, providing versatile arrangement options without requiring different frame types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames are interconnected to create customized displays, then display flexibility and aesthetics are enhanced, but the assembly and alignment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle latch mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability during assembly. The latch can be easily toggled between engaged and disengaged states, allowing users to align frames and make adjustments during assembly, then securely lock the connection. This dynamic feature simplifies the assembly process while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning feature of the locking mechanism assists users during assembly. The toggle latch and locking slot geometry guides the frames into proper alignment as they are brought together, reducing the precision and effort required for manual alignment while enabling flexible customized arrangements
Data Source
AI summary
ABSTRACT An interlocking frame for selective engagement with a plurality of adjoining interlocking frames is presented herein. The frame includes a frame body that defines an interior portion at least partially enclosed by a plurality of interior walls, a front face, a rear face, and a plurality of peripheral walls. The interlocking frame also includes a plurality of locking tabs each selectively and independently rotationally disposable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the frame body. Each of the locking tabs has an arm that extends beyond the frame body when the locking tab is disposed in the extended position in order to engage with a corresponding locking slot of an adjacent frame.