Hanging Hook Clamping Assembly Without Screw Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hook devices for hanging objects are complex and costly due to the use of screw threads and metal materials, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A hook device design where the first hollow cylinder is retained in the housing by form closure in an axial direction, eliminating the need for screw threads and allowing the housing to be made of plastic, with a simpler design for the second hollow cylinder and actuating element to secure the second hollow cylinder, reducing material and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw threads and metal materials are used in the hook device, then the clamping mechanism can be securely fixed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw thread connection with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that uses elastic deformation and friction forces to secure the hook device to the rail. The spring element provides continuous pressure against the rail through a clamping arm, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and complex assembly procedures while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the spring element to dynamically adjust the clamping force. By changing the physical state from rigid (screw threads) to elastic (spring mechanism), the system can adapt to variations in rail dimensions and installation conditions, providing reliable fixation without precise manufacturing tolerances required for threaded connections.
2Reliability
If screw threads and metal materials are used in the hook device, then the clamping mechanism can be securely fixed, but material and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal (for screw threads) to elastic material (for the spring element), which reduces material costs and simplifies manufacturing. The spring mechanism can be produced through stamping or injection molding processes, which are more cost-effective than machining metal threads, while still providing secure clamping through elastic recovery and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring element that can be manufactured as a single-piece, low-cost component using elastic materials. This replaces expensive metal fasteners and simplifies the overall bill of materials, making the hook device more economically viable while maintaining functional reliability through the spring's continuous clamping action.
3Reliability
If a complex clamping mechanism with multiple components is used, then secure fixation is achieved, but the device becomes harder to assemble and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamping function into distinct modular components: a spring element, a clamping arm, and a mounting bracket. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently and enables simple assembly by snapping or clipping these pre-fabricated modules together, eliminating complex assembly procedures while maintaining secure fixation through the coordinated action of the spring-loaded clamping arm.
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and maintains the reliability and functionality of the hook device, allowing it to be easier to use and assemble without compromising the clamping mechanism's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, in particular a coil spring (40), for biasing the second hollow cylinder (30) in an axial direction, in a direction in which the inner surface (21) of the first hollow cylinder (20) converges
Implementation Method 2
the clamping mechanism comprises a first hollow cylinder (20) having a tapered inner surface (21)... the balls (31)... are pressed between the tapered inner surface (21) of the first hollow cylinder (20) on the one hand and the carrier wire (4) on the other hand
Data Source
AI summary
A hook device (2) for hanging objects such as picture frames comprises a housing (10) which has an internal space for allowing a carrier for the hook device (2) to extend through the housing (10), and which is normally provided with a projection designed for functioning as a hanging hook. The hook device (2) further comprises a clamping mechanism for fixing the housing (10) on a carrier, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first hollow cylinder (20) having a tapered inner surface (21), which is retained in the housing (10) in an axial direction by form closure. During the assembling process of the hook device (2), the first hollow cylinder (20) is inserted into the housing (10) by moving the cylinder (20) through an opening (17) in a radial direction, different from other elements (30, 40, 50) of the hook device (2), which are moved in an axial direction.