Stencil Device Seamless Pattern Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stencil devices for impressing configurations into deformable materials like concrete often leave imperfections or ridges in the formed recesses when multiple stencils are used.

Innovation Solution

A stencil device with first and second members detachably secured via channel and protrusion portions, ensuring continuous recesses are formed without ridges by aligning and engaging channel and protrusion edges for seamless insertion and extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple separate stencils are used to form continuous patterns in concrete, then the ability to create large or complex designs is improved, but joining portions of the stencils leave imperfections or ridges in the concrete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea of pattern formationVSAvoidsmoothness of recesses

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple stencil members into a single integrated assembly where adjacent members share common insertion edges. The first and second stencil members are positioned adjacent to each other with their insertion edges forming a continuous line, eliminating the need for separate joining portions that would create ridges in the concrete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stencil device is segmented into multiple detachable members that can be assembled together. Each member has channel portions that receive protrusion portions of adjacent members, allowing the stencil to be divided into manageable sections while maintaining continuous insertion edges that prevent ridge formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stencils are joined together to form continuous patterns, then the versatility of pattern creation is improved, but alignment and engagement between stencils becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern design flexibilityVSAvoidalignment maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces channel portions and protrusion portions as intermediary coupling elements between adjacent stencil members. The channel portions in one member receive the protrusion portions of adjacent members, providing automatic alignment and secure engagement that maintains the continuous insertion edge configuration throughout assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If separate stencils are used to impress configurations in concrete, then the ability to create continuous patterns is improved, but ridges or imperfections are formed at the joining portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern formation capabilityVSAvoidquality of recesses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple stencil members into a unified assembly where the insertion edges are continuous and uninterrupted. By positioning adjacent members with their insertion edges aligned and continuous, the device impresses smooth, ridge-free recesses in the concrete while maintaining the productivity benefits of multi-section stencil construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11772411B2Stencil device for forming configurations in deformable material

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 WALTER GREGORY

AI summary

A stencil device for forming configurations in deformable material includes a first member having ridge portions integrally joined to channel portions that promote the insertion of the ridge portions of the first member into deformable material; and a second member having ridge portions integrally joined to protrusion portions that promote the insertion of the ridge portions of the second member into deformable material; whereby, the first and second members ultimately form a design pattern across a preselected surface of deformable material by alternating the insertion and removal of said first and second members across the preselected surface of the deformable material.