System and method for hanging an article from a support surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hanging articles from walls, especially heavy or large items like cabinets, often requires multiple people to ensure level installation and can result in unsightly holes when repositioning, as current systems necessitate removing the item from the wall to relocate it.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cam screws and cam locks that allow horizontal movement of articles along a wall without detaching them, using a cam lock mechanism to secure the article to the wall, enabling level adjustment and repositioning without additional holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current hanging systems are used, then articles can be securely mounted to walls, but repositioning requires removing the item and creating additional holes in the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed-hole configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The cam lock mechanism allows the article to be securely mounted at initial installation, then easily repositioned horizontally along the wall by releasing and re-engaging the cam lock at different positions, eliminating the need to create new holes for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: wall anchors fixed in the wall, a mounting bar with multiple positioning points, and cam locks that can be released and repositioned. This segmentation allows the article to remain securely mounted while enabling easy horizontal repositioning without damaging the wall.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting methods are used, then articles can be firmly attached to walls, but installation requires multiple people to ensure level positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The wall anchors and mounting bar are pre-installed and secured to the wall before the article is attached. This preliminary action establishes a stable, level foundation that simplifies the subsequent attachment process, allowing a single person to easily mount the article without requiring assistance for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be easily operated by a single person. The cam action provides mechanical advantage that allows one person to securely tighten or release the mounting without requiring multiple people to hold or position the article, making the installation process self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If articles are securely fixed to walls using conventional methods, then stability is achieved, but any adjustment requires complete removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system provides a dynamic solution where the cam lock can be quickly released and repositioned along the mounting bar. This allows the article to maintain secure attachment during normal use, then be easily adjusted to different horizontal positions by simply releasing the cam lock and moving it to a new position, significantly reducing repositioning time compared to complete removal and reattachment.
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
Facilitates easy, level installation and repositioning of articles on walls without the need for multiple people and minimizes wall damage by allowing horizontal movement without removing the item from the wall.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cam lock comprising a first portion that is slidably mounted to the elongated mounting element and a second portion, the cam lock alterable between: (1) a receiving state in which the second portion of the surface mounting element can be inserted into and removed from the second portion of the cam lock; and (2) a locked state in which the second portion of the surface mounting element is prohibited from being removed from the second portion of the cam lock
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for hanging an article from a support surface. The article may be a cabinet, such as a medicine cabinet or the like, although the system described herein may be used for hanging any type of article from a support surface such as a wall. The system uses a surface mounting element that is coupled to the support surface and a cam lock that is slidably coupled to the article to hang the article from the support surface by coupling the surface mounting element to the cam lock. Because the cam lock is slidably coupled to the article, the article can move horizontally along the support surface without separating the article from the support surface.