Frame apparatus and method of assembling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frames require multiple mounting clips for securing the backing, which increases manufacturing costs and is prone to breakage, making them complex and fragile.

Innovation Solution

A frame apparatus with an annular display frame and an annular spacer frame that uses engagement portions and locking tabs to securely hold the spacer frame in place, eliminating the need for additional mounting clips by applying pressure through the spacer frame's elasticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple mounting clips are used to secure the backing, then the backing is adequately secured, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of backingVSAvoidnumber of clips
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clips are merged with the rabbet structure itself. The rabbet includes integrated locking features (such as grooves, ridges, or interlocking surfaces) that directly engage with the backing or spacer frame, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rabbet structure serves multiple functions: it provides the recessed space for holding the backing and spacer frame, and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through its integrated features. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple mounting clips are used to secure the backing, then the backing is adequately secured, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of backingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clips are merged with the rabbet structure itself. The rabbet includes integrated locking features (such as grooves, ridges, or interlocking surfaces) that directly engage with the backing or spacer frame, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rabbet structure serves multiple functions: it provides the recessed space for holding the backing and spacer frame, and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through its integrated features. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple mounting clips are used to secure the backing, then the backing is adequately secured, but the frame becomes prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of backingVSAvoidrobustness of frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clips are merged with the rabbet structure itself. The rabbet includes integrated locking features (such as grooves, ridges, or interlocking surfaces) that directly engage with the backing or spacer frame, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rabbet structure serves multiple functions: it provides the recessed space for holding the backing and spacer frame, and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through its integrated features. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple mounting clips are used to secure the backing, then the backing is adequately secured, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of backingVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clips are merged with the rabbet structure itself. The rabbet includes integrated locking features (such as grooves, ridges, or interlocking surfaces) that directly engage with the backing or spacer frame, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rabbet structure serves multiple functions: it provides the recessed space for holding the backing and spacer frame, and simultaneously incorporates the locking mechanism through its integrated features. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining securing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the robustness of the frame by eliminating the need for multiple clips, while securely holding the display article in place.

Implementation Method 1

applying pressure through the spacer frame's elasticity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10376077B2Frame apparatus and method of assembling the same
Publication Date: 2019.08.13 MCS IND INC
  • US10376077B2 patent drawing
  • US10376077B2 patent drawing
  • US10376077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A frame apparatus for displaying a flat article and a combined frame apparatus and flat article. In one aspect, the frame apparatus comprises an annular display frame defining a rabbet, a stack positioned in the rabbet, and an annular spacer frame. The rabbet is defined by a floor and a wall, the wall comprising a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. The annular spacer frame is coupled to the first and second engagement portions of the annular display frame by interaction between a first and second locking member of the annular spacer frame and the first and second engagement portions of the annular display frame. The first and second locking members extend into the first and second engagement portions and apply a compression force to retain a flat article between the transparent front panel and the rear panel.