Modular Stretch Frame Assembly for Variable-Size Fabric Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current framing techniques for fabric poster and photo prints are limited by the use of fixed-size stretcher or strainer bars, which restrict the size and shape options and are often bulky, making them inconvenient for traveling professionals.
Innovation Solution
A modular poster print stretch frame system comprising interchangeable and identical modular frame sections with connectors and retaining structures, allowing for customizable frame configurations and easy assembly to accommodate various sizes and shapes of fabric prints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size stretcher or strainer bars are used for framing fabric poster and photo prints, then the frame structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the frame size and shape options are limited and cannot be easily altered
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each section contains standardized connectors that allow flexible configuration of different frame sizes and shapes using the same basic components, thereby achieving versatility without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame sections are designed with universal connectors that can be used across all frame configurations. A single set of standardized sections can create multiple frame sizes and shapes, making the framing system multi-functional and adaptable to various print dimensions without needing specialized components for each configuration.
2Ease of operation
If standard fixed frames are used for displaying fabric poster and photo prints, then the framing is simple, but the frames are bulky and difficult to transport for traveling professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple collapsible sections that can be disassembled and compacted into a small package for transport. When needed, the sections are easily reassembled by connecting the standardized components, providing both portability and ease of operation without requiring bulky fixed frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic, collapsible structures that can transition between an expanded display configuration and a compact transport configuration. This allows the frame to be bulky only when needed for display, but compact when being transported by traveling professionals.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom frames are manufactured for each specific print size and shape, then the frame fits the print perfectly, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing entire custom frames for each print size, the frame is segmented into standardized sections that can be assembled in different configurations. This maintains manufacturing precision through standardized connection mechanisms while dramatically reducing manufacturing time and cost by using pre-fabricated modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame sections are pre-manufactured with standardized connectors and dimensions before assembly. This preliminary preparation of modular components allows for quick and precise assembly without requiring time-consuming custom manufacturing for each specific frame size, thereby achieving both precision and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular poster print stretch frame for displaying a variety of sizes of poster prints. The modular poster print stretch frame may comprise a plurality of modular frame sections, each having a section body and two or more connectors disposed on at least two faces of the section body, each connector being configured to link the modular frame section to at least one other modular frame section. Modular frame sections may also include a plurality of retaining structures which may be used to retain a fabric sheet, such as a poster print. Some or all of the modular frame sections may be substantially identical to and interchangeable with each other, allowing for simple and easy assembly of the modular poster print stretch frame to a variety of sizes.