Hook Assembly with Gravity-Based Lean Indicator for Detachment Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hooks fail to notify users when they become unfastened, leading to potential damage and injury from falling objects, and require electricity to function, which can result in the warning system failing when the power supply is depleted.
Innovation Solution
A hook assembly with a lean indicator pivotally mounted in the base, featuring different faces and a pivotal portion that pivots under gravity, allowing users to visually detect when the hook has unfastened without the need for electricity, using a transparent panel to observe the indicator's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply unit and warning unit are mounted on the base to notify users when the hook unfastens, then the user can be alerted of the abnormal condition, but the hook requires electricity which may be depleted and cause the warning system to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The lean indicator serves itself by utilizing the gravitational force and the base's tilting motion to automatically indicate the unfastened state. The indicator pivots on its own without external power, using the weight difference and gravity to rotate and display the warning position, eliminating the need for power supply units and electronic warning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic warning system (power supply unit and electronic warning unit) with a purely mechanical indicator system. The lean indicator uses mechanical pivoting and gravitational forces to provide visual feedback, substituting electronic components with a simple mechanical lever that responds to the base's tilt through purely physical means.
2Measurement precision
If the lean indicator's central axis is positioned closer to the center of gravity, then the indicator becomes more sensitive to tilting, but the indicator may become unstable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The lean indicator is designed with an asymmetric mass distribution where the central axis of the pivotal portion is deliberately offset from the center of gravity. This asymmetric positioning creates a stable equilibrium position that is sensitive to tilting while maintaining control. The offset distance is optimized to provide sufficient sensitivity without causing instability or excessive oscillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the positional parameter of the pivotal portion's central axis relative to the center of gravity. By carefully selecting the offset distance, the system achieves the optimal balance between sensitivity and stability. The parameter is tuned so that the indicator responds reliably to normal tilting while remaining stable during normal operation and easy to reset.
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 users to detect when the hook is about to detach, preventing damage and injury without electricity consumption, as the lean indicator's position change indicates an unfastened state, ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the lean indicator pivotally mounted in the chamber of the base via a second pivotal portion... the lean indicator has a center of gravity located above the second pivotal portion... the lean indicator can remain liable to pivot downwards under the unbalanced center of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A hook assembly includes a base having a chamber, a hook portion provided on a bottom of the base, and a lean indicator mounted in the base via a second pivotal portion. The base includes an opening, a window portion, and an adhesion portion which is adhered to a surface. The adhesion portion and the opening are provided on a back plate. The base includes two first pivotal portions. A center of each first pivotal portion is spaced from the surface at a spacing. The lean indicator includes first and second faces. The first face has a feature different from that of the second face. A central axis of the second pivotal portion does not pass through a center of gravity of the lean indicator. The central axis of the second pivotal portion is spaced from each edge of the lean indicator at a distance slightly larger than the spacing.