Cantilevered screwless hanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cantilevered support devices are not designed to securely attach to square posts without damaging them and cannot be easily rotated or locked into place, especially when the posts have inaccessible upper and lower ends, and they require fasteners that can cause damage and are difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A cantilevered screwless hanger with a support assembly featuring lower and upper U-shaped members connected by a connecting member, utilizing gravity and the weight of the object to secure to a square post without fasteners, and incorporating a locking shim for additional frictional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners such as nails or screws are used to secure support hooks to a structure, then the support device can be firmly attached, but the structure is damaged and tools are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fastener component from the attachment system. The support device is redesigned to attach directly to the round pole through friction and geometry without requiring nails, screws, or other fasteners, thereby preventing structure damage while maintaining attachment firmness
Solution Approach 2:
The support device utilizes its own weight and the weight of attached objects to create a cantilever force that secures it to the pole. The device serves itself by using the load to generate the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for external fasteners and tools
2Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure support devices, then the attachment is strong, but it is difficult and time-consuming to remove or reposition the support device
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a static fastened state to a dynamic adjustable state. The device can be easily inserted and removed by hand, and can be repositioned along the pole without tools, making the attachment process dynamic and flexible rather than permanent and fixed
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing cantilevered support devices are designed for round poles, then they can attach to circular structures, but they damage the corners of square posts and cannot be easily rotated or locked into place
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate both round poles and square posts. The U-shaped cross section and cantilever geometry allow it to function effectively with different pole shapes without requiring design modifications or causing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes asymmetric geometry in its U-shaped cross section and cantilever configuration to engage with the pole surface. This asymmetric design allows the device to conform to both circular and square geometries, preventing corner damage on square posts while maintaining secure attachment
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing support devices are used on posts with inaccessible upper and lower ends, then installation is attempted, but the devices cannot be properly secured or locked into place
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the weight of the attached object to generate the cantilever force that secures it to the pole. This self-securing mechanism does not require access to the upper or lower ends of the post for locking or fastening, making it ideal for posts with inaccessible ends such as balusters
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 secure, tool-free attachment and repositioning of objects on square posts without damage, allowing for easy installation and removal, and maintaining stability even with inaccessible ends, using the weight of the object to maintain the hanger's position and prevent slippage.
Implementation Method 1
The support assembly is adapted to removably secure the cantilevered screwless hanger to a structure comprising a square cross-section via a moment applied by the force of gravity acting on the elongated member
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a locking shim for additional frictional security
Data Source
AI summary
A cantilevered screwless hanger. The cantilevered screwless hanger includes an elongated member having a support assembly disposed on a first end thereof. In some embodiments, the elongated member includes a hanging device on a second end thereof. The support assembly includes a lower U-shaped member, a connecting member extending upwardly therefrom, and an upper U-shaped member connected to the connecting member. The lower U-shaped member is oriented opposite the upper U-shaped member, such that a first opening defined by the lower U-shaped member is oriented opposite a second opening defined by the upper U-shaped member. The support assembly is adapted to removably secure the cantilevered screwless hanger to an elongated structure comprising a square cross-section without the use of additional fasteners, such that the support structure is not damaged during installation of the cantilevered screwless hanger.