Tapered Placard Frame Prevents Pinching During Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing placard frames struggle with the issue of placards becoming cocked or pinched during removal and replacement, leading to unreliable retention during transit, as the current solutions either increase frame size or compromise retention reliability.
Innovation Solution
A placard frame design featuring projections with a linear or curved taper profile on its frame members and margins, which form a shallow angle with the slot, preventing pinching or trapping of the placard edges as it is inserted or removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the placard frame size is increased relative to the placard, then the placard can be inserted and removed more easily without pinching, but the retention reliability during transit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are given different cross-sectional profiles at different locations: a tapered profile (first profile) at the margins where the placard enters/exits to prevent pinching, and a parallel profile (second profile) at the retention zones to ensure secure holding. This local differentiation allows the frame to provide both easy operation and reliable retention without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional dimensions of the frame members change along their length. The width or height of the frame members tapers near the margins to create a larger opening for placard insertion, then transitions to a narrower retention section. This parameter variation enables the frame to guide the placard smoothly during insertion while maintaining secure retention during transit.
2Ease of operation
If the placard frame size is increased to prevent pinching, then placard insertion is easier, but the frame becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire frame larger or more complex, the invention applies the tapered profile only at specific locations (margins) where placard insertion occurs. The majority of the frame structure maintains a simple parallel profile, minimizing overall complexity while solving the pinching problem locally at the critical insertion points.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are segmented into different functional zones with different cross-sectional profiles: a tapered insertion zone at the margins and a parallel retention zone elsewhere. This segmentation allows each portion of the frame to be optimized for its specific function without affecting the simplicity of other portions.
3Reliability
If the frame members have a parallel cross-sectional profile throughout, then retention is reliable, but placard edges are pinched during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members have different cross-sectional profiles at different locations: a tapered profile at the margins to prevent pinching during insertion/removal, and a parallel profile at the retention zones to ensure reliable retention. This local differentiation allows the frame to provide both easy operation and reliable retention without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional dimensions of the frame members change along their length. The width or height of the frame members tapers near the margins to create a larger opening for placard insertion, then transitions to a narrower retention section. This parameter variation enables the frame to guide the placard smoothly during insertion while maintaining secure retention during transit.
Data Source
AI summary
A placard frame comprises a first frame member and a second frame member spaced from the first frame member and extending therefrom at a margin, wherein the first and second frame members and the margin define an interior space adapted to receive a placard. A projection is disposed on one of the first frame member and the second frame member at a location one of at and adjacent to the margin wherein the projection extends into the interior space. Further, a slot is in communication with the interior space.