Frame Apparatus with Slidable Hanging Element for Wall Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frame apparatuses lack the ability to be moved side-to-side along a wall without detaching from the wall and often require multiple holes in the wall for adjustments, and they struggle with hanging frames in a level manner.
Innovation Solution
A frame apparatus with a support structure featuring elongated slots on a backer panel and a hanging element that is slidably coupled to the support structure, allowing it to move side-to-side along the wall while remaining hung, and incorporating a self-leveling mechanism to ensure proper orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed mounting hardware is used to hang a frame on a wall, then the frame is securely attached, but the frame cannot be moved side-to-side along the wall without detaching it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static mounting system into a dynamic one. The mounting channel is designed with elongated slots that allow the hanging element to slide along the wall surface while remaining attached. This enables the frame to be repositioned horizontally without detachment, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and movability along the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting channel is segmented into multiple elongated slots positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the hanging element to engage with different slots along the wall, enabling discrete repositioning points while maintaining secure attachment at each position. The segmented structure provides both stability and adaptability for movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting hardware requires relocating hardware to change frame location, then secure attachment is maintained, but additional holes must be put into the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channel serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment through the hanging element, enables repositioning along the wall by sliding to different slots, and eliminates the need for additional wall holes. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by incorporating adaptability and repositioning capability into a single mounting structure that prevents wall damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting channel acts as an intermediary between the frame and the wall. Instead of directly attaching the frame to the wall with multiple holes, the channel is first mounted to the wall (requiring only initial holes), and then the frame attaches to the channel. This intermediary allows repositioning by sliding the frame along the channel without creating additional wall holes, thus preventing further wall damage.
3Ease of operation
If no self-leveling mechanism is incorporated, then the mounting structure is simpler, but the frame cannot be hung in a level manner
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channel incorporates a self-leveling mechanism that automatically adjusts the frame to a level position during installation. The mechanism uses gravity and the geometry of the elongated slots to guide the hanging element into a level orientation, eliminating the need for external leveling tools or complex adjustment procedures. This provides ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If elongated slots are formed into the backer panel, then the hanging element can slide to enable movement, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backer panel incorporates elongated slots with specific geometric parameters that enable the hanging element to slide. By optimizing the slot dimensions, positioning, and orientation, the design achieves the desired sliding capability while minimizing manufacturing complexity. The slot geometry is designed to work with standard manufacturing processes, balancing adaptability with ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame apparatus for displaying an article. The frame apparatus includes a support structure having a frame and a backer panel. A plurality of slots are formed into the backer panel that include a first slot that is elongated along a first axis that is parallel to top and bottom edges of the support structure and a second slot that is elongated along a second axis that is parallel to lateral edges of the support structure. The frame apparatus also includes a hanging element for hanging the support structure from a support surface such as a wall. The hanging element is configured to be slidably coupled to the support structure such that the hanging element can slide back and forth within one of the slots while remaining coupled to the support structure. This structure enables the frame apparatus to move side-to-side along the support surface while hanging therefrom.