Modular Tack Room Curtain Frame Using Brackets for Fast Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tack curtain hanging systems are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring 4 to 8 hours to set up and often result in poorly hung curtains due to the need for custom-cut wooden frames that do not easily adapt to varying stall sizes.

Innovation Solution

A tack curtain hanging apparatus and method using a frame system with tee brackets, corner brackets, and overhead banner brackets made of rotationally molded polyethylene, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and reusability across different stall sizes, with minimal plank cutting and secure fastening using self-piercing lath screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom-cut wooden frames are used to fit particular stall sizes, then the curtains can be properly sized for each stall, but the setup process becomes extremely labor intensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying stall sizesVSAvoidsetup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame system is divided into separate modular components including vertical posts, horizontal rails, and corner connectors that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows rapid assembly without custom cutting while maintaining adaptability to different stall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame components are designed with universal connection mechanisms that work across multiple stall configurations. The standardized posts and rails with adjustable connectors serve multiple functions across different stall sizes, eliminating the need for custom-cut frames for each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If wooden frames are custom-cut to fit particular stall sizes, then the frames can accommodate specific stall dimensions, but the frames cannot be easily reused at different locations with different stall sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise fit to stall dimensionsVSAvoidreusability across different locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to different stall dimensions. Connectors and positioning mechanisms enable the same frame components to be reconfigured for precise fits at various locations without custom manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If curtains are hung on quickly constructed wooden frames, then the setup time is reduced, but the curtains become difficult to hang straight, crisp and tight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup speedVSAvoidcurtain hanging precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is pre-assembled with built-in alignment features and support elements positioned in advance to ensure proper curtain hanging. The pre-configured frame includes attachment points and structural supports that guarantee crisp and tight curtain appearance without requiring time-consuming adjustments during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If custom-built wooden frames are constructed for each show, then the frames can be tailored to specific stall requirements, but the process takes 4 to 8 hours or several days to complete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization to stall requirementsVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame system allows for parameter adjustments through adjustable connectors and reconfigurable components, enabling customization to specific stall requirements without requiring time-consuming custom construction. Dimensions and configurations can be modified by repositioning standardized elements rather than recutting wood.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10609894B1Tack room curtain hanging apparatus, system and method

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 BARTLEY BRETT WILLIAM

AI summary

A tack room curtain hanging apparatus, system and method. A system for hanging display curtains includes a display curtain hung on a display curtain frame including a door frame, a plurality of horizontal planks and a plurality of vertical planks coupled together by a set of brackets to form the display curtain frame, the set of brackets including a tee bracket and a corner bracket, the tee bracket including a horizontal socket mated to an end of a particular one of the plurality of horizontal planks, and a vertical socket mated to a top end of a particular one of the plurality of vertical planks, the top end aligned with a bottom of the horizontal socket, a first single fastener coupling the top end of the vertical plank to the vertical socket, and a second single fastener coupling the end of the horizontal plank to the horizontal socket.