Modular Master Model Frames With Slot And Spar Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master models for complex shapes, such as ship or boat shells, are difficult to disassemble and reassemble due to their single-piece construction, making them cumbersome to move or store, and are often destroyed after use, limiting their reuse for different shapes.
Innovation Solution
A modular master model composed of juxtaposed frames with slots and spars, where spars with transverse notches can be inserted and translated to form a rigid structure, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and enabling the reuse of components for different shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If master models are manufactured as single-piece or non-dismountable structures, then they achieve rigidity and strength, but they become difficult to displace and store when considerable in size
Solution Approach 1:
The master model is divided into multiple separate frames that can be individually transported and assembled together. Each frame includes panels with slots that receive spars, creating a modular structure that maintains strength while enabling easy displacement and storage of large-scale models.
2Stability of the object's composition
If master models are manufactured as single-piece structures, then they achieve structural integrity, but they cannot be easily disassembled for reuse with different shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The model is segmented into standardized frames with slots and spars that can be reconfigured. The spars include transverse notches that receive panel portions, allowing the same set of frames to be assembled into different shapes by rearranging the panels while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frames are designed with universal slots and the spars with transverse notches can be used across multiple different model configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same frame set to serve multiple purposes and create various shapes, enhancing reusability.
3Ease of manufacture
If master models are destroyed after limited series production, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but component reuse and resource efficiency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of destroying the entire model after use, the modular frames can be disassembled and recovered for reuse in subsequent productions. The standardized slot and notch system allows rapid reassembly of frames into new configurations, recovering the investment in frame manufacturing while enabling cost-effective production of multiple series.
4Strength
If frames are rigidly connected with predetermined spacings, then the structure achieves rigidity, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into standardized slots in frames and matching spars with transverse notches. This segmentation creates a simple, repeatable connection mechanism that achieves rigid structural assembly through predetermined spacings while keeping the assembly process straightforward and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a master model (1) defining a useful surface having a complex shape, including a set of juxtaposed frames (2a, 2b, 2c), each frame including a panel having a useful edge (8), the frames being disposed parallel and held rigidly connected with predefined spacings such that the useful edges of same form the useful surface. The panel of each frame includes a blind slot (10) forming an opening passing through the thickness, and the frames are rigidly connected by a spar (3, 3a, 3b, etc.) suitable for being inserted (6) in the lengthwise direction (L) of same into the slots and including transverse notches (11) for receiving and holding the frames, each notch being arranged to receive, by a relative transverse translational movement (7) of the spar relative to the frames, the part in question of the panel of each frame.