Planar Display Frame Assembly With Elastic Retainer Clips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar display assemblies, such as mirror assemblies, require users to assemble separate frames and mirror panes using various tools and dedicated hardware, leading to significant effort, cost, and limited options for customization and interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A customizable planar display assembly with standardized mounting hardware and interchangeable frames and mirror panes, featuring elastically deformable retainer clips and a dado system, allows for easy assembly, customization, and reconfiguration without additional tools, using a common hardware kit for all options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate frames and mirror panes are assembled using dedicated hardware and tools, then the assembly is secure and stable, but the assembly process requires significant effort, cost, and time
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clips are designed to be self-installing components that snap into the frame channels without requiring external tools or additional hardware. The clips automatically secure the mirror pane when pressed into place, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations with dedicated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clips integrate multiple functions into a single component: they serve as both the mounting hardware and the securing mechanism. The clips combine the functions of attachment, retention, and alignment in one element, eliminating the need for separate screws, washers, and installation tools.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used for each mirror assembly configuration, then the assembly is secure, but customization and interchangeability options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clips are designed as universal components that can be used with any mirror pane size and any frame configuration. The same clip design works across different applications, allowing users to interchange frames and mirror panes while maintaining secure mounting. The standardized channel and clip system provides adaptability without sacrificing reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting hardware is used, then the mirror pane is securely mounted, but additional tools and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential mounting function from complex traditional hardware systems and implements it through simple retainer clips that snap into frame channels. This eliminates the need for separate screws, nuts, washers, and installation tools, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure mounting.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate assembly operations are used for frames and mirror panes, then precise alignment is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame channels are pre-formed with precise dimensions and positions during frame manufacturing. The retainer clips are designed to snap into these pre-prepared channels, which automatically provide alignment. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for complex alignment operations during assembly.
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 easy and cost-effective customization, assembly, and reconfiguration of mirror assemblies with interchangeable frames and panes, reducing the need for dedicated hardware and tools, and providing a wide range of styling and mounting options.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the plurality of retainers is elastically deformable to deform during installation of the planar display into the frame, and to expand to retain the planar display pane within the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A planar display assembly is provided with a planar display pane. A frame is provided with a dado sized to receive the planar display pane. A plurality of retainers mounts to the frame about an inner periphery of the frame to retain the planar display pane within the frame. At least one of the plurality of retainers is elastically deformable to deform during installation of the planar display into the frame, and to expand to retain the planar display pane within the frame. A plurality of apertures or a channel may be formed in the frame about the dado. The plurality of retainers may mount to the frame within the plurality of apertures or the channel of the frame to retain the planar display pane within the frame.