Hook device for hanging objects
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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 complicate the manufacturing process and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The hook device employs form closure to retain the first hollow cylinder in the housing, eliminating the need for screw threads and allowing the housing to be made of plastic, with the first hollow cylinder inserted radially into the housing, and the actuating element secures the second hollow cylinder, simplifying assembly and reducing material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw threads and metal materials are used in the hook device, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw thread mechanical fastening system with a form closure retention system. The first hollow cylinder is retained in the housing by form closure through a radially inserted configuration where the outer surface of the first hollow cylinder engages with an inner surface of the housing, eliminating the need for threaded connections and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the housing, enabled by the form closure mechanism. This parameter change reduces cost and manufacturing complexity while the form closure design ensures sufficient retention strength to hold the first hollow cylinder in place under operational loads
2Reliability
If screw threads are used to retain the first hollow cylinder, then the retention reliability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The first hollow cylinder is designed with a configuration that enables preliminary radial insertion into the housing during the molding process or pre-assembly stage. The outer surface of the first hollow cylinder is shaped to engage with the inner surface of the housing through form closure, so that the retention function is established before final assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming threading operations and improving assembly productivity
3Strength
If metal materials are used for the housing, then the strength and durability are improved, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the housing from metal to plastic. This material substitution is made possible by the form closure retention mechanism, which provides sufficient holding force without requiring the high strength characteristics of metal. The plastic material reduces manufacturing cost, improves ease of manufacture through injection molding, and allows for integration of the form closure features directly into the housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective plastic housing instead of expensive metal material. The form closure design ensures that despite the lower material strength, the housing maintains adequate durability for its intended application lifecycle. The reduced material cost and simplified manufacturing process align with the principle of using cheaper materials when the functional requirements are satisfied
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
This design 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
biasing means which are arranged in the housing for biasing the second hollow cylinder in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a first hollow cylinder having a tapered inner surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.