Picture album
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picture albums and frames do not efficiently toggle between a closed position for display and an open position for organization, often requiring additional flaps or supporting parts that increase thickness and complicate folding, and are not designed for constant switching between modes.
Innovation Solution
A picture frame design featuring a body with frame and sheet attachment members, such as magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, or temporary adhesives, that allow for removably attaching picture insertion sheets with pockets, enabling easy switching between display and organizational modes while maintaining a clean appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional flaps or supporting parts are added to enable flat folding, then the folding function is improved, but the thickness increases and the appearance becomes less clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional flaps and supporting parts by integrating the folding mechanism directly into the side panels themselves. The side panels are designed with hinge connections that enable flat folding without requiring separate structural elements, thus reducing thickness while maintaining the folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the folding mechanism and structural support functions into the side panels themselves, eliminating the need for separate flaps or supporting parts. This merging of functions reduces the overall thickness while preserving the ability to fold flat.
2Reliability
If magnets are used solely for closure, then the closure function is improved, but the ability to hold pictures in open position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magnets are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide strong closure force when the album is closed, and they also hold the picture insertion sheets in place when the album is open. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for closure and picture holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment members are designed to dynamically adapt to different states: they provide strong attraction for secure closure, and they maintain sufficient holding force for picture sheets in the open position, allowing the system to function effectively in both closed and open states.
3Ease of operation
If foldable subpanels are added to assist folding operation, then the ease of folding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates foldable subpanels by designing the side panels with direct hinge connections to the front and back panels. This simplification removes unnecessary structural elements while maintaining the flat folding capability, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding auxiliary subpanels to assist folding, the patent inverts the approach by making the main side panels themselves foldable through direct hinge connections. This reversal of the conventional approach simplifies the structure while achieving the same folding function.
4Reliability
If the picture album is designed for secure closure, then the closure reliability is improved, but the constant toggling between modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment members provide strong holding force for secure closure while allowing easy separation when needed. The magnetic force is sufficient to keep the album securely closed during normal use, but can be easily overcome by manual separation, enabling frequent toggling between closed and open modes without difficulty.
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 easy operation, maintaining a clean look by allowing the picture frame to toggle seamlessly between display and organizational modes without increasing thickness, using magnetic or adhesive forces for secure attachment and detachment of the sheets.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment of the at least one frame attachment member and the at least one sheet attachment member is achieved under magnetic force.
Implementation Method 2
The attachment of the at least one frame attachment member and the at least one sheet attachment member is achieved using a hook-and-loop fastener.
Implementation Method 3
The attachment of the at least one frame attachment member and the at least one sheet attachment member is achieved using a temporary adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A picture frame is provided and includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface. Also included in the picture frame are at least one frame attachment member attached to the rear surface of the body, at least one picture insertion sheet having a pocket configured to hold a picture in the pocket, and at least one sheet attachment member attached to near an outer periphery of each picture insertion sheet. Each picture insertion sheet is removably attached to the rear surface of the body using the at least one frame attachment member and the at least one sheet attachment member.