Apparatus for hanging an article

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for hanging pictures on walls are cumbersome, requiring precise measurements and often result in inefficient alignment, potential damage during earthquakes, and vulnerability to theft, due to the inability to adjust the position of the picture after initial securing and the need to align with wall studs.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable picture-hanging device comprising an elongated adjustment member, an adjustable locking head, and a cable that allows for vertical and horizontal adjustment of a picture's position without needing precise initial placement, using a locking mechanism that can be manually or automatically engaged to secure and release the cable, enabling easy repositioning and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional nails or screws are used to secure pictures to the wall, then the picture can be firmly attached, but the position cannot be adjusted after initial securing and precise alignment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidtime for alignment and leveling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static nail-screw attachment system into a dynamic adjustable system. The picture hanger device includes a movable component that can slide along the wall surface and be positioned at different locations, allowing the picture to be adjusted vertically and horizontally after mounting. The device incorporates a locking mechanism that can secure the picture at any desired position, converting the irreversible traditional mounting process into a reversible and adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple nails are placed into wall studs to securely hang large pictures, then the picture is securely attached, but the picture may not be in an aesthetically desired position or level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment function into two separate components: a secure mounting component that attaches to wall studs for structural support, and an adjustable positioning component that can be moved independently to achieve aesthetic alignment. The picture hanger device includes a stud-mounted anchor for secure attachment and a separate adjustable arm or bar that can be positioned at different locations along the anchor, allowing the picture to be securely hung while maintaining aesthetic positioning independent of stud locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If hooks or wires on picture frames are used to attach to nails on the wall, then the picture can be hung, but the picture is susceptible to falling during earthquakes and vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of hangingVSAvoidresistance to earthquake and theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating features that prevent picture removal and earthquake damage before they can occur. The locking mechanism includes a pawl and ratchet system that automatically engages when the picture is mounted, creating a one-way locking action that prevents the picture from being pulled off the wall. Additionally, the device includes anti-theft features such as a breakaway cable or security lock that requires deliberate action to disengage, providing preliminary protection against both earthquake-induced falling and theft attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2941151B1Apparatus for hanging an article
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 AZAD MORRIS
  • EP2941151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2941151B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2941151B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A picture-hanging device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror that allows a picture to be adjusted vertically after securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. The device has an elongated adjustment member, an adjustable locking head that slideably engages with the elongated adjustment member, and a cable secured to either the elongated adjustment member or the adjustable locking head. The cable secures the picture to a picture-hanging device, and the height of the picture can be adjusted relative to the position of the picture-hanging device even after the picture-hanging device has been secured to a wall. This adjustable picture-hanging device allows the user to fine tune the placement of a picture without having worry about the precise placement of the picture-hanging device, or studs in a wall. The device also prevents unnecessarily drilling new holes in a wall.