Frame assembly and methods of making and using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frame assemblies are cumbersome and difficult to disassemble, often causing damage and posing safety risks when changing display items, as they rely on brads, nails, or metal tabs that are not designed for easy assembly or frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a support body featuring flexible rings housed in grooves on the rear face, allowing for easy insertion and removal of display items without the need for external hardware, using a method where the rings overhang to secure and release the item with light pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional frames use brads or nails to secure display items, then the frame structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the frame becomes difficult to disassemble and reassemble, leading to bent hardware and user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static brad/nail securing mechanism into a dynamic spring-loaded tab system. The tabs are designed to flex outward during insertion and spring back to secure the display item, enabling easy one-handed operation without tools while maintaining structural integrity through repeated assembly and disassembly cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the securing elements from rigid (brads/nails) to elastic (spring-loaded tabs). This parameter change allows the tabs to deform elastically during insertion and removal operations, providing user-friendly operation while maintaining secure holding capability when engaged
2Strength
If conventional frames use metal tabs to secure display items, then the frame can retain items firmly, but the tabs become damaged or break after a few changes and can have sharp edges that cut the user or display item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid metal tabs to elastic polymer tabs with controlled durometer hardness (40-80 Shore A). This parameter change enables the tabs to undergo elastic deformation without permanent damage, maintaining reliability through repeated use cycles while eliminating sharp edges through the flexible material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by using polymer-based elastic tabs instead of traditional metal tabs. The polymer material provides both the necessary mechanical strength for secure retention and the elastic properties for durability through repeated assembly/disassembly operations, eliminating the brittleness and sharp edges associated with metal
3Strength
If conventional frames are designed for secure display item retention, then the frame structure is robust, but the assembly and disassembly operations are time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing tabs that automatically flex outward under minimal user pressure and spring back to secure the item without requiring tools or complex manipulation. This dynamic behavior reduces the time and effort for content replacement from minutes to seconds while maintaining secure retention during display
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded mechanism that automatically secures the display item when the tabs are released after insertion. The elastic tabs self-latch into position without requiring additional fastening steps, and self-release when pressure is applied from the front, eliminating the need for tools or complex disassembly procedures
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 quick and safe one-step insertion or removal of display items, reducing the risk of damage and injury, and allowing for frequent changes without damaging the frame, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
The rings are flexible, allowing a displayed item to be easily and efficiently inserted and removed from the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a frame assembly that easily and efficiently allows a user to insert and/or remove an item from the frame. Specifically, the assembly comprises a generally rectangular support formed by one or more interconnected sidewalls that extend about the periphery of a central opening. The central opening is sized and shaped to fit any of a wide variety of display items (e.g., artwork, photographs, diplomas). The rear face of the assembly includes a plurality of rings. Each ring is flexible, allowing a displayed item to be easily and efficiently inserted and removed from the frame. The rings also function to retain the displayed item within the frame.