Knotted Loop Line for Level Sign Suspension Without Measuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for suspending signs and banners from high ceilings are complex, expensive, and require skilled technicians due to difficulties in measuring and tying equal lengths of cords or wires for level hanging, often necessitating specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device comprising a loop line with equispaced knots along side-by-side cords made of limp monofilament or braided strands, allowing for easy attachment and adjustment by forming hitches and loops for secure, level hanging without the need for knot tying or specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cord or wire suspension methods are used, then signs can be suspended from ceilings, but measuring and tying equal lengths of cords is time-consuming and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The loop line is pre-manufactured with equispaced knots already tied at predetermined intervals. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site measurement and knot-tying, allowing installers to simply count knots to achieve equal lengths, thereby dramatically reducing installation time and skill requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension cord is divided into multiple equal segments by pre-tied knots at equispaced intervals. This segmentation allows the installer to use simple knot-counting rather than complex measurement, transforming a difficult continuous measurement problem into a simple discrete counting task
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable cable locks or mechanical devices are used for cable length adjustment, then level hanging can be achieved, but the devices are expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex mechanical adjustment devices with simple, inexpensive loop lines that have pre-tied knots. The knots serve as permanent, fixed adjustment points that eliminate the need for costly mechanical adjusters while maintaining accurate level hanging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adjustment function from complex mechanical devices and embeds it directly into the cord structure itself through pre-tied knots. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical adjustment components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If professional crimping tools and clamping pliers are used for cable attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but specialized tools and skilled labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The loop line's proximal end is designed to self-attach to the sign through a simple hitch knot that forms when the distal end is passed through the loop at the proximal end. This self-service attachment mechanism eliminates the need for specialized crimping tools or clamping pliers, allowing unskilled workers to achieve secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A loop line comprised of a pair of side by side cords of equal length and knots equispaced along said cords for joining the cords together and defining loops between the knots. The cords preferably are limp monofilament with knots tied or are string or thin rope made of several strands braided, twisted or woven together and the knots for joining the cords together are formed by interlacing, braiding or looping the cords. The strands are selected from at least one of polymer, polyester or metal wire fibers. For hanging an item, the loop line has a proximal end terminating at a knot and a distal end terminating in a knot, the proximal end of the loop line is wrapped around or inserted in a hole in the item, the distal end is passed through a loop formed in the loop line at the knot at the proximal end to form a hitch attached to the item, and the loop line is hung from a knot formed in the loop line at the distal end. The system for supporting a sign or ceiling-tile rail from ceiling supports comprises a plurality of loop lines, in which a lower proximal end of the loop line can be inserted through an opening in a sign or ceiling-tile rail to be suspended, the upper distal end passed through a loop formed at the lower proximal end of the length to form a hitch attached to the sign or ceiling-tile rail, and the upper distal end of the loop line of an equivalent number of loops can be attached to the ceiling support.