Interchangeable Corner Hanger for Trim Decoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for decorating framing structures, such as doors and windows, are time-consuming and difficult to change or replace, involving precise cutting, nailing, caulking, and painting, or using adhesive wallpaper borders that are hard to remove and expensive to maintain.

Innovation Solution

Interchangeable corner hanger devices with a horizontal and vertical portion that rest on and over the corner structure, providing stability without adhesives or attachments, and featuring an interlocking pattern for suspended elements, allowing easy theme changes and decoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional trim is used to decorate framing structures, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but replacement and modification become time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change decoration themesVSAvoidtime required for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the decorative system into separate components: a permanent corner structure and interchangeable corner hangers. This segmentation allows the decorative element (hanger) to be independently replaced without affecting the underlying structure, enabling theme changes without time-consuming reinstallation of the entire trim system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decorative function is extracted from the structural trim and embodied in the removable corner hanger. This extraction allows the decorative element to be taken out, replaced, or repositioned independently, solving the problem of difficult trim replacement while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wallpaper-type borders with adhesive are used to decorate trim, then decorative appearance is achieved, but removal and replacement become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change decorative borderVSAvoidease of removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The corner hanger is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable decorative element that can be quickly removed and replaced without adhesive residue or damage. This approach prioritizes ease of replacement over permanent attachment, allowing users to change decorative themes simply by removing the old hanger and installing a new one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If decorative scenes are painted directly on the wall around trim, then custom aesthetic appearance is achieved, but replacement becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change decorative sceneVSAvoidtime and cost for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of painting decorative scenes directly on the wall (permanent and expensive to change), the invention uses corner hangers that replicate or represent decorative motifs in a physical, interchangeable form. This copying approach allows the same decorative effect to be achieved through replacement of the hanger object rather than repainting, significantly reducing time and cost for theme changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If corner hanger devices are used to ornament framing structures, then ease of replacement and theme changes is improved, but stability and secure attachment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacementVSAvoidstability of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corner hanger system transitions from static permanent attachment (nails, adhesive) to a dynamic system where the decorative element can be easily installed and removed. The hanger's design incorporates features like resting on the corner structure and hanging over edges, providing sufficient stability during use while allowing easy replacement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The corner hanger is designed to self-stabilize through its geometry and weight distribution, resting on the corner structure and hanging over edges without requiring additional adhesives or fasteners. This self-service approach maintains reliability while eliminating the need for complex attachment mechanisms that would hinder ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9366069B2Device for enhancing a corner structure

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 DAYTON CONNIE M

AI summary

In an embodiment, an interchangeable corner hanger to ornament framing protruding corner structures is provided. The interchangeable corner hanger includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is designed to rest on an exposed edge of a corner structure, and the vertical portion is designed to hang over the corner of the corner structure and rest against a wall upon which the trim is attached. The vertical portion has a length sufficient to stabilize the corner hanger without the use of other adhesives or attachments. In an embodiment, the vertical portion is configured to allow one or more interlocking elements to be suspended from the vertical portion. For example, the vertical portion may include an interlocking pattern configured to accept a complimentary interlocking pattern on an interlocking element. Further interlocking elements may be attached to the interlocking element.