Hanging Basket Hook with One-Way Lock and Wing-Actuated Arms

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging basket hangers, whether made of plastic or metal, fail to support heavy baskets or pots efficiently and are cumbersome to attach and remove, with metal hangers being labor-intensive and specific to particular pots, and plastic hangers lacking sturdiness.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped hook made of plastic with a one-way hook and tapered arms featuring wing members attached at a 170-degree angle, allowing easy attachment and removal by pressing the arms to insert and remove the basket, and a metal loop that stays firmly in place once inserted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal hangers are used, then strength and sturdiness are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to labor-intensive attachment and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into two distinct components: a metal loop for strength and a plastic hook for ease of operation. The plastic hook can be easily attached to and removed from the metal loop, combining the advantages of both materials while eliminating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The metal loop provides the necessary strength and sturdiness, while the plastic hook provides ease of operation. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If plastic hangers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but strength deteriorates as they cannot support heavy baskets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into two distinct components: a metal loop for strength and a plastic hook for ease of operation. The plastic hook can be easily attached to and removed from the metal loop, combining the advantages of both materials while eliminating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The metal loop provides the necessary strength and sturdiness, while the plastic hook provides ease of operation. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If metal hangers are used, then strength is improved, but loss of time increases due to difficult removal process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into two distinct components: a metal loop for strength and a plastic hook for ease of operation. The plastic hook can be easily attached to and removed from the metal loop, combining the advantages of both materials while eliminating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The metal loop provides the necessary strength and sturdiness, while the plastic hook provides ease of operation. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional hangers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates as they are specific to particular pots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger design with the metal loop and plastic hook combination creates a universal system that can accommodate different pot sizes and types. The flexible plastic hook can adapt to various rim configurations while the metal loop provides a consistent attachment point, making the hanger versatile for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 hook provides a sturdy and user-friendly solution that supports heavy baskets or pots, combining the benefits of metal and plastic hangers by being easy to attach and remove, while ensuring the metal loop remains securely held.

Implementation Method 1

the one way hook that restricts the metal loop coming out of the hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne way hook mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

the wing members when pressed opens up the hook to insert and remove the basket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11744391B2Hook for hanging basket

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 CONCEPT PLASTICS

AI summary

A hook for hanging a basket. A hook includes a wing member which helps in pressing two arms for easy removal of the basket. The hook includes a one way hook for holding a metal loop firmly therein. The hook is inserted into the metal loop and upon insertion of the hook, the metal loop stays firmly in a place thereof held by the one way hook that restricts the metal loop coming out of the hook. The hook provides the combined benefits of both metal hanger and convenience of plastic hanger. The hook is easy and fast to attach and remove if necessary.