Segmented Industrial Display Frame Sealing via Through-Hole Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frame designs for industrial input and output devices are inefficient and costly due to high material losses and complex manufacturing processes, failing to meet mechanical robustness, impermeability, and hygiene requirements, especially with small series production and complex cross-sectional shapes.

Innovation Solution

A frame composed of individual parts connected at abutting surfaces with a through-hole filled with sealing compound to ensure tightness, using cut-to-length profiles that eliminate the need for extensive machining and post-processing, allowing for automated and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frames are manufactured by machining from solid metal, then mechanical robustness and tightness are improved, but material loss and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe tightnessVSAvoidmaterial loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple individual frame parts that are joined together to form the complete frame structure. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately with minimal material waste, while the assembly maintains the required tightness through proper joining techniques and sealing compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame construction combines multiple materials including metal frame parts, sealing compounds filled in through-holes, and adhesive substances. This composite approach allows the use of less material overall while maintaining structural integrity and tightness, reducing the material loss associated with machining solid metal blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of substance

If frames are manufactured by die-casting or injection molding, then material loss is reduced, but tooling costs and manufacturing complexity increase for small series production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial lossVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the frame into separate parts that can be manufactured using simple cutting processes, the invention avoids the need for complex die-casting or injection molding tools, making the process suitable for small series production while still reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing approach changes from high-precision molding processes to simpler cutting and joining processes, altering the manufacturing parameters to better suit small batch production economics while achieving similar material efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If frame parts are joined by welding or soldering, then structural strength is improved, but post-processing and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing compounds and adhesive substances serve as intermediary materials between the frame parts, providing both sealing functionality and bonding strength. This eliminates the need for complex welding or soldering processes while maintaining joint integrity and reducing post-processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical joining methods like welding and soldering with chemical bonding using adhesive substances and sealing compounds, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adequate joint strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional frame designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tightness and hygiene requirements for industrial applications are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidimpermeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sealing function from the traditional frame structure by introducing dedicated through-holes filled with sealing compounds. This separation of functions allows the frame parts to be simple to manufacture while the sealing system ensures industrial-grade tightness and hygiene compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing compounds act as intermediary substances that bridge the gaps between frame parts, providing the necessary impermeability for industrial applications while allowing the frame structure itself to remain simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a cost-effective, efficiently produced frame that meets industrial requirements for tightness and hygiene, eliminating the need for post-processing and reducing material waste, while ensuring the frame is completely sealed and resistant to external influences.

Implementation Method 1

the through-hole being filled with a sealing compound. Through the through-hole divided by the abutment surface, the gap between the frame parts lying against one another is closed by the sealing compound in the through-hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing compound filling: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3106915B1Frame for a device having input and output functions
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 B&R IND AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP3106915B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3106915B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3106915B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In order to manufacture a frame (2) for an image-reproducing input and output device (1), such as a display device or a touchscreen, for industrial use in the most cost-effective, resistant (e.g., splash-proof), and hygienic (e.g., by limiting the possibilities for dirt accumulation), it is provided that the frame (2) is composed of a plurality of individual frame parts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and that the frame parts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are joined together at abutting surfaces (15) of the frame parts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to form the frame, and that a through-hole (20) is arranged in the area of ​​an abutting surface (15) which is connected to the abutting surface (15) and which connects a first end face of the frame (2) with an opposite second end face of the frame (2), wherein the through-holes (20) in the assembled frame are sealed with a sealant. (26) are completed.