Rotatable picture frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing picture frames that display multiple images lack the ability to easily switch orientations while remaining securely fastened to a wall, especially when changes in balance occur, such as when a door is opened.

Innovation Solution

A picture frame design featuring a hinge system that allows the front frame member to rotate 180 degrees while mounted, combined with adjustable mounting recesses and protrusions for varying orientations and positions, enabling easy reorientation and secure attachment at different heights and widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a picture frame is designed with multiple picture support compartments, then the quantity of pictures that can be displayed is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of picturesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The picture frame is divided into multiple picture support compartments, each capable of holding a separate picture. The frame structure includes front and rear frame members with vertical and horizontal support members that create distinct compartments. This segmentation allows multiple pictures to be displayed simultaneously while maintaining an organized and manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The picture frame structure serves multiple functions: it displays multiple pictures simultaneously, allows rotation between landscape and portrait orientations, and provides a unified mounting system for wall attachment. The front and rear frame members, along with support members, create a versatile structure that can accommodate various picture arrangements and orientations without requiring separate frames for each function.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a picture frame is made rotatable to switch between orientations, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The picture frame incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows it to dynamically change orientation between landscape and portrait positions. The front frame member can rotate relative to the rear frame member around a central axis, enabling the frame to adapt to different display requirements. This dynamic capability is integrated into the overall structure, allowing the frame to maintain secure attachment throughout the rotation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system uses asymmetric protrusions and recesses positioned at specific locations on the front and rear frame members. These asymmetric features engage with each other to prevent rotation beyond certain limits while allowing rotation within the desired range. The asymmetric design ensures that the frame can be securely attached in either landscape or portrait orientation but prevents unstable intermediate positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If a picture frame allows easy rotation while mounted, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the frame composition worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable mechanism allows the front frame member to rotate easily relative to the rear frame member when needed for reorientation. The rotation is facilitated by the interconnected structure of front and rear frame members with support members that maintain alignment during rotation. Once rotated to the desired orientation, the asymmetric mounting features engage to stabilize the composition and prevent unintended movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is segmented into rotatable sections (front and rear frame members) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the operational portion to rotate while the mounting portion remains stable. The vertical and horizontal support members create a segmented structure that maintains overall stability while enabling local rotation for reorientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3178354B1Rotatable picture frame
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 DYNAMIC FRAMES
  • EP3178354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3178354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3178354B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to picture frames and picture cabinets, and more specifically to rotatable picture frames and picture cabinets. In some embodiments, the picture frame (910) may be easily rotatable between a landscape display and a portrait display via a set of recesses (960a, 960b) that correspond to a set of protrusions (960) on a hanging mount (950). The picture frame (910) may also support a varying number of photographs in a varying number of picture support compartments while also allowing the picture frame (910) to be accessible while said picture frame (910) is mounted on a planar surface such as a wall.