Polymeric Frame Assembly for SEG Signage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame assemblies for silicone edge graphics (SEG) signage are limited by the use of aluminum, which is costly, difficult to customize, and offers limited aesthetic options, while also being heavy and prone to surface damage.

Innovation Solution

A modular frame assembly using elongated frame sections and connectors made from polymeric materials, such as ABS, which allows for customizable sizes and multiple visual configurations through acute and obtuse angle cuts, and a dual functional connector tenon that simplifies assembly and reduces production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If aluminum frame assemblies are used for SEG signage, then structural strength and durability are achieved, but cost increases, weight increases, and customization difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcustomization ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from aluminum to polymeric material (such as polyvinyl chloride or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), which maintains sufficient structural strength while enabling easier customization through extrusion processes and reducing both cost and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The frame assembly is divided into multiple elongated frame sections that can be individually manufactured and then assembled using corner connectors and straight connectors, allowing for easy customization of different sign sizes and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If aluminum frame assemblies are used for SEG signage, then structural strength is achieved, but weight increases and transport difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidframe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from aluminum to polymeric material, which has a lower density and thus reduces the weight of the frame assembly while maintaining adequate structural strength for supporting textile media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If aluminum frame assemblies are used for SEG signage, then durability is achieved, but surface damage susceptibility increases and maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmaintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material from aluminum to polymeric material, which is more resistant to surface damage such as corrosion and scratching, and can be easily cleaned and maintained without special treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If traditional aluminum frame assemblies are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but aesthetic options are limited and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material to polymeric material which can be extruded in various colors and finishes, providing more aesthetic options while reducing material cost and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated frame sections are designed with universal features including mortice channels for different connector types and acute/obtuse angle cuts for various configurations, allowing a single component design to serve multiple assembly purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11373557B2Frame assembly for displaying a tensionable textile media

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 BUDNICK CONVERTING

AI summary

A slotted frame assembly for receiving tensionable textile media, e.g., a sign face, the textile media being tucked into frame slots in the assembly to provide attachment and tensioning.