Modular Sign Frame With Continuous Gripping Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signage frames are costly to manufacture, require time-consuming assembly, and generate waste due to their rigidity and non-reusable components, while hanging signage often curls or deforms over time.
Innovation Solution
A frame comprising struts with gripping means and corner brackets that form a polygon, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and a spline and groove system for easy sign mounting, enabling quick assembly, reduced waste, and structural rigidity without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screw-based assembly is used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular corner brackets and strut components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each corner bracket contains integrated receiving channels that guide and secure strut ends, enabling rapid assembly without screws while maintaining structural integrity through precise geometric fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner bracket acts as an intermediary component between struts, providing a standardized interface with receiving channels that accommodate strut ends. This intermediate structure enables quick connection and disconnection while distributing mechanical loads effectively, replacing the need for screw fasteners.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional signage frames are used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but adaptability for sign replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame design enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing struts to be easily inserted and removed from corner brackets. The receiving channels provide guided alignment and secure retention during use, but permit quick release when sign replacement is needed, transitioning between stable and adaptable states as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner brackets are designed with universal receiving channels that can accommodate various strut configurations and sign types. This multi-functional design allows the same frame structure to support different signage options while maintaining structural rigidity, enhancing adaptability without compromising stability.
3Reliability
If fully encompassing frames are used, then sign support stability is improved, but material waste and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into four separate corner brackets and four strut components rather than being manufactured as a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables partial replacement or repair without wasting entire frame structures, reducing material waste while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables individual corner brackets or struts to be replaced only when necessary, rather than discarding the entire frame. Components can be recovered and reused in other applications, reducing material waste and manufacturing costs while maintaining sign support stability through the use of durable, reusable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a sign. The frame comprises a plurality of struts and corner brackets. The struts have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. Each corner bracket slidably engages with two of the struts at an angle. The corner brackets also have an exposed front surface including a gripping means. The gripping means of the struts is substantially continuous with the gripping means of the corner brackets so that when the corner brackets and struts are engaged to form a polygon, the polygon includes a substantially continuous gripping means that is engageable with a sign to mount the sign on the frame.