Apparatus and methods for hanging objects on a vertical surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging objects on a vertical surface are often cumbersome, require precise alignment, and lack flexibility in size and weight capacity, necessitating multiple parts or specialized fittings.
Innovation Solution
A hanger with a plate featuring two hooks and an integrated bubble level, along with angled wall contacts and a marking hole, allows for easy leveling and attachment to a vertical surface without requiring elaborate measurements or additional parts, providing stability and adaptability to various object sizes and weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nail or screw is used to hang the object, then the apparatus is simple, but the weight capacity is limited and periodic realignment occurs due to gimbal effect
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging apparatus is segmented into multiple hooks (at least two hooks) distributed across the plate, allowing the object's weight to be distributed across multiple attachment points. This segmentation increases the overall weight capacity while maintaining relative simplicity of the apparatus.
2Strength
If a single wall-mounted hook with multiple nails is used, then the strength and adherence to the vertical surface are improved, but the apparatus still lacks flexibility for different object sizes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The plate with multiple hooks and multiple wall contacts creates a universal hanging apparatus that can accommodate various object sizes and weights. The distributed hook configuration allows the same apparatus to handle different loading scenarios, from light to heavy objects, without requiring customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a single-point hanging solution to a distributed multi-point system across the plate surface. This dimensional distribution across multiple locations on the plate provides adaptability for different object configurations while maintaining strong adherence to the vertical surface.
3Strength
If two attachment means are affixed to the frame on either side, then the weight capacity is improved, but precise measurement and placement are required achieving level orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bubble level on the plate performs the leveling function automatically without requiring external leveling apparatus or precise measurement by the user. The apparatus serves its own alignment needs through the built-in bubble level, eliminating the complexity of precise measurement and placement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a French Cleat apparatus is used with universal c-shaped cross section, then the object can be permanently affixed to a fixed level, but strict alignment between two separate components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble level is merged directly into the plate structure as an integrated component rather than a separate alignment tool. This combination eliminates the need for strict alignment between separate components, as the level is already positioned correctly on the plate itself.
5Adaptability or versatility
If customized parts are attached to the frame, then compatibility with the hanging apparatus is achieved, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The plate with multiple wall contacts and hooks creates a universal interface that works with various frame types and objects without requiring customized parts. The distributed contact points and hooks provide general compatibility across different applications, reducing the need for specialized fittings.
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
The solution simplifies the hanging process, reduces the need for specialized fittings, and enhances stability by allowing for greater size and weight capacity, while eliminating the need for precise alignment and additional support, thus saving time and frustration.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated bubble level fixably coupled to the front face and calibrated to indicate a horizontal orientation of the first hook relative to the second hook
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger for hanging an object on a vertical surface includes a plate with a front face and a back face. The back face is to abut a vertical surface onto which the object is to be hung. The hanger includes a first hook and a second hook protruding outward from the front face and an integrated bubble level fixably coupled to the front face and calibrated to indicate a horizontal orientation of the first hook relative to the second hook. A plurality of wall contacts protrudes outward from the front face. Each wall contact includes an opening through which an attachment mechanism traverses to attach the plate to the vertical surface. The hanger does not require the object to have a specifically shaped counterpart in order to interface with the hanger. The hanger removes the need for elaborate and/or time-consuming measuring, thus saving the user time and frustration.