Snap-Fit Frame Assembly Using Locking Ribs and Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional frame assembly methods are time-consuming and costly, lacking ease of assembly and additional features that enhance the quality of the framed article and the framing experience.

Innovation Solution

A snap-fit framing system comprising a hollow outer frame element with recesses and ribs, and a back plate with locking ribs, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment, enabling the frame to be easily assembled and displayed in various orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional frame assembly methods using wood pieces attached at corners are used, then structural strength is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into modular components (outer frame element, back plate, spacers) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together using snap-fit connections, eliminating the need for time-consuming corner joining of traditional wood frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical corner joints requiring tools and skill are replaced with snap-fit plastic connections that assemble through simple insertion and elastic deformation, substituting complex mechanical assembly with simpler elastic-mechanical coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If traditional frame assembly methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame system is segmented into separately manufacturable components that can be produced using cost-effective injection molding processes, avoiding the labor-intensive craftsmanship required for traditional wood frame construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The material state and physical properties are changed by using molded plastic components with built-in elastic locking features, transforming the manufacturing process from skilled carpentry to automated plastic forming, significantly reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If snap-fit attachment with locking ribs and recesses is used, then assembly ease is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Complexity is localized to specific features (locking ribs, recesses, spacers) only where needed for assembly and structural function, while the majority of the frame surfaces remain simple and clean, balancing complexity management with functional requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11523693B2Snap-fit framing system

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 TRACER IMAGING LLC

AI summary

A frame system according to one embodiment includes a hollow outer frame element that includes a plurality of recesses formed along inner faces of walls of the outer frame element. The outer frame element further includes a plurality of ribs formed along the inner face and an inner landing that protrudes inwardly into a center opening of the outer frame element. The frame system also includes a back plate configured for insertion into the center opening. The back plate includes a plurality of locking ribs for reception within the plurality of recesses to generate a snap-fit attachment of the back plate to the hollow outer frame element.