Locking Mat Hanger With Adapter Insert for Multi-Mat Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding, securing, transporting, and displaying automobile floor mats are inadequate due to lack of strength and durability, damage caused by staples, inability to handle multiple mats, and limited adaptability for different mat sets, and difficulty in handling large, flexible mats.
Innovation Solution
A locking mat hanger and display device featuring two hanger housings with a removable adapter insert and grasping cutouts, constructed from thermoplastic elastomer for enhanced rigidity and comfort, which secures mats via their perimeter ridge and allows for easy handling and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cardboard hangers are used to display floor mats, then the device is inexpensive and simple to manufacture, but the strength and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from cardboard to thermoplastic elastomer, which provides superior strength and durability while maintaining ease of manufacture through injection molding processes. This material substitution directly resolves the contradiction between strength and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thermoplastic elastomer represents a composite material solution that combines the benefits of plasticity and elasticity, providing both the required strength for heavy-duty applications and the flexibility for easy manufacturing and adaptation to different mat configurations.
2Reliability
If staples are used to attach the hanger to the floor mat, then the hanger can be securely attached, but the floor mat is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful stapling mechanism from the attachment process and replaces it with a clamp-based system. The clamp engages with the mat's raised ridge without penetrating or damaging the mat material, thereby maintaining attachment security while eliminating mat damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hanger and the floor mat. Instead of directly stapling the mat, the clamp engages the raised ridge and provides an indirect attachment method that secures the mat without causing harm.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hanger design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different mat sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger is segmented into modular components including the main body and interchangeable adapter inserts. These inserts can be configured to accommodate different mat sizes and ridge configurations, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire hanger system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger incorporates adjustable and interchangeable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different mat configurations. The adapter inserts can be changed or repositioned to match various ridge locations and mat dimensions, enabling a single hanger design to serve multiple applications.
4Ease of operation
If traditional hangers are used for heavy floor mats, then the mats can be held, but they are difficult to lift and transport by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handle element that extends perpendicular to the plane of the hanger body, creating a new spatial dimension for grasping. This handle provides a convenient gripping point that leverages mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift and transport heavy floor mats without directly handling the mat itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking automobile mat hanger and display device consists of two hanger housings that cooperate with an interchangeable adapter insert to secure a plurality of automobile floor mats. The device includes housings having a retaining portion and an adapter insert, whereby the adapter insert and the retaining portion of the housing create channels in which automobile floor mats may be inserted and retained. The device also has a cutout section in the housings whereby a user may easily grasp and carry the entire mat hanger assembly. The device further contains a hook section disposed on the housings, which allows for the entire mat hanger assembly to be hung from retail displays, and also allows for efficient storage. The label application section of the hanger aids inventory organization.