Modular Stencil with Adhesive and Nested Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoration methods using roll stencils are limited in reproducing complex patterns and face challenges with vertical surfaces, as they lack fixing means and often result in undesirable coating streaks due to imperfect connections between frames, and their production is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular stencil system with non-rectilinear peripheral strips that superimpose for secure connection and orientation, featuring an adhesive for surface fixation and inter-element bonding, allowing for complex and realistic pattern reproduction on both horizontal and vertical surfaces without the need for thinned edges or complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If roll stencils are used for surface decoration, then the decoration process is simplified, but the ability to reproduce complex patterns is limited and coating streaks appear due to imperfect frame connections
Solution Approach 1:
The stencil is divided into multiple modular elements with standardized non-rectilinear peripheral strips that can be assembled together. Each module contains complete pattern information and connects through superimposable edges, allowing complex patterns to be constructed from simple modular units without compromising pattern accuracy or creating coating streaks at joints.
2Device complexity
If traditional stencils without fixing means are used, then the device structure is simple, but the stencils cannot be properly fixed on vertical surfaces and require operator holding
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is merged into the stencil structure itself through adhesive applied to the internal face of the frame. This allows the same modular element that provides the pattern to also provide the fixing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate holding operations while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If frames are arranged edge to edge for large surface decoration, then the coverage area is increased, but connection imperfections cause undesirable coating streaks at frame boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral strips of adjacent modular elements are nested through superimposition, where one strip overlaps the other. This nesting arrangement ensures that the connection interface is seamless and prevents coating from penetrating to the boundary between modules, eliminating streaks while allowing large area coverage.
4Ease of operation
If wefts are equipped with fixing means for vertical surfaces, then the ease of operation on vertical surfaces is improved, but the production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer on the frame's internal face serves multiple functions: it fixes the modular element to the surface (enabling vertical application), it bonds adjacent modular elements together (enabling assembly), and it requires no additional structural components. This multi-functionality achieves operational convenience without increasing production complexity.
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
Enables precise, cost-effective, and realistic decoration of surfaces with complex patterns by ensuring correct orientation and connection of modular elements, preventing coating flow between elements and simplifying handling, while allowing for diverse pattern orientations and realistic simulations.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive making it possible to fix the modular element to the surface to be decorated and to bond the adjacent modular elements together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The element (1) has a screen comprising nonrectilinear arched peripheral strips (3, 4a-4d) that delimit hollowed patterns (2), and including an internal face covered with adhesive for fixing the element. The strips include superimposable sections over width to ensure connection with an identical modular element by superimposing the strips of the elements. Two of the strips form a groove, and the other two strips form a projection. The screen has a cardboard covered sheet with plasticized internal and external faces. A silicone film is plated against the internal face. An independent claim is also included for a method for decorating a surface using a decoration assembly.