Adjustable Magnet Anchor Rail for Close-to-Surface Hanging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnet anchor installation and removal apparatuses are limited by fixed spacing, which prevents magnet anchors from being installed closely to the surface when the object's anchor points are widely spaced, resulting in the object being suspended further away than desired.

Innovation Solution

A magnet anchor installing and removing apparatus with an extruded rail base allowing for variable spacing of magnet heads along a U-shaped channel, equipped with adjustable magnet heads and washers for secure mounting and easy removal, enabling flexible positioning of magnet anchors relative to the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnet heads are fixed at predetermined spacing, then the structure is simple and stable, but the spacing cannot be adjusted to match widely spaced anchor points on objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing adjustabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet heads are made movable along the base rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of spacing. The base includes a channel or groove system that guides the magnet heads, enabling them to be positioned at various locations while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is divided into modular components: a base structure, multiple independently adjustable magnet heads, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each magnet head to be adjusted separately to match the specific spacing requirements of different objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If magnet anchors are installed closer to the surface, then objects can be suspended higher, but the loop line length becomes insufficient when anchor points are widely spaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension heightVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet heads can be dynamically repositioned along the base to optimize spacing. When objects have widely spaced anchor points, the magnet heads are positioned farther apart; when anchor points are closer, the magnet heads are positioned closer together, allowing objects to be suspended at optimal heights regardless of anchor point spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables magnet anchors to be installed at variable spacings, allowing objects to be suspended closer to the surface, improving the versatility and precision of hanging signs and other objects.

Implementation Method 1

apparatus for installing and removing magnets such as magnetic anchors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3293721B1Apparatus and method for installing and removing magnets and for hanging a sign
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 BERNARD ROBINA
  • EP3293721B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3293721B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3293721B1 patent drawingFigure 8~12

AI summary

A flush magnet anchor (150) comprises an anchor body (160) having exterior opposing surfaces; and a magnet (158) mounted in a body recess (164) such that an exterior surface of the magnet and an exterior surface of the body are coplanar. A tether (154) in the opposing exterior surface receives a ring (52). When shaped as a bowl having a rim (161), the body has the magnet mounted in the bowl. Also disclosed is a magnet installing and removing apparatus (100) having a base (114, 114') forming a channel (116, 116') and at least two magnet heads (16A, 16B, 16C) mounted to the base in the channel. Each of the at least two magnet heads is configured to receive respective magnet anchors (50, 150). The magnet heads are selectively movable along the base. The base may be extruded, e.g. of a U-shape with upper ends (117A, 117B) turned in. The apparatus may couple to an extension pole.