Bracket with Resilient Flange Members for Flush Wall Object Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging wall objects like picture frames and mirrors either fail to securely attach them to the wall or require additional hardware that prevents the frame from being flush against the wall, and are difficult to install accurately.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a flange and resilient members that inserts into a channel on the object, providing a secure and flush attachment to a support structure without additional hardware, using a body with peripheral walls and a position element for accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware such as picture wire, D-ring hangers, or sawtooth hangers is installed on the frame, then the wall object is secured more securely to the wall, but the frame cannot be flush against the wall and accurate placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hanging function and the flush placement function into a single integrated bracket system. The bracket includes a mounting portion that attaches to the wall and an engagement portion that interfaces with the channel on the frame, eliminating the need for separate picture wire or D-ring hangers. This merging allows the frame to be flush against the wall while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the wall and the frame. Rather than directly attaching hardware to the frame or mounting nails into the wall, the bracket mediates the connection by engaging the channel on the frame and securing it to the wall through its mounting portion, thereby achieving both secure attachment and flush placement.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hanging methods are used, then the frame can be attached to the wall, but the attachment is not secure and the object may fall off if bumped
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members incorporate a curved or arcuate geometry that allows them to flex and deform during insertion into the channel. This curvature enables the members to elastically deform to accommodate the channel dimensions and then spring back to provide continuous frictional engagement, securing the frame to the wall with resistance to accidental removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members change their physical state from a deformed condition during insertion to a recovered condition during engagement. By utilizing elastic deformation as a temporary parameter change, the members can be inserted into the channel and then spring back to provide secure frictional engagement, transforming a simple insertion action into a secure attachment mechanism.
3Reliability
If hardware is added to secure the object, then attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single bracket component: the mounting portion for wall attachment, the engagement portion for channel interface, and the resilient members for secure engagement. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate picture wire, D-rings, or sawtooth hangers, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a universal component that can attach to various frames with channels of different sizes. The resilient members accommodate dimensional variations, and the overall structure provides both mounting and securing functions in a single component, reducing the number of parts needed while maintaining reliability across different applications.
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 bracket securely attaches objects to a wall in a flush manner with improved frictional engagement, eliminating the need for extra hardware and simplifying the installation process by using resilient members to enhance the fit within varying channel sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one resilient member being resiliently displaceable toward said surface of the flange upon the flange being inserted into the channel to abut the at least one resilient member against a surface of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is engageable with an object to position the object relative to a support structure. The bracket has a body having at least one peripheral wall defining a wall surface. The body has a flange extending outwardly from the wall surface of the at least one peripheral wall and has an outer surface and an opposed inner surface. The flange is insertable into a channel of the object to engage the bracket with the object. The flange has at least one resilient member extending away from at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the flange. The at least one resilient member is resiliently displaceable toward said surface of the flange upon the flange being inserted into the channel to abut the at least one resilient member against a surface of the channel. The bracket also has a position element extending outwardly from the body.