Magnetic Drywall Support Mount for Single-Installer Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of drywall structures is laborious and time-consuming, requiring continuous coordination between multiple installers, and poses safety risks due to the difficulty in handling and positioning large panels accurately.

Innovation Solution

A self-drilling support mount with a magnetic attachment member that allows a single installer to easily attach drywall panels to a metal frame, enabling accurate positioning and secure attachment without additional help, using a cylindrical body with a flanged head and threaded anchor portion for rotatable insertion and magnetic engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple installers manually hold and position drywall panels, then the panels can be installed, but the process is laborious, time-consuming, and requires continuous coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support mount enables the drywall panel to be self-positioned and self-held during installation. The magnetic attachment member automatically engages with the metal structure to hold the panel in position, eliminating the need for manual holding and coordination between multiple installers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual holding and positioning with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic attachment member provides automatic engagement and holding force, substituting human physical effort and coordination with magnetic forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If installers manually hold large drywall panels in positioning, then the panels can be fixed, but safety risks increase due to fatigue and potential falling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation safetyVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support mount with magnetic attachment member enables the panel to be self-held and self-positioned during installation. The magnetic force automatically engages with the metal structure to secure the panel, eliminating the need for installers to manually hold and position large, cumbersome panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of drywall panels is used, then installation can proceed, but accurate positioning is difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning with a magnetic attachment system that provides precise and consistent positioning. The magnetic attachment member automatically engages with the metal structure at the correct location, ensuring accurate positioning without relying on installer skill or effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates quicker, safer, and more accurate installation of drywall panels by allowing a single installer to maneuver panels into position using magnetic attachment, reducing the risk of accidents and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the flanged head portion comprises at least one magnetic attachment member adapted to slidably movably attach said support mount to a metal structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4001674B1A support mount and method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4001674B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP4001674B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4001674B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fastener for mounting a drywall structure to a surface, in particular for mounting drywall sheet to a metal structure. A method of fixing a drywall structure to a metal structure is also disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides for a self-drilling support mount (100) for a drywall structure (200), including a substantially cylindrical body having a flanged head portion (140) at a proximal end and an externally threaded anchor portion (125) extending away from said flanged head portion (140) along a longitudinal centre axis of said cylindrical body towards a distal end, wherein said flanged head portion (140) comprises at least one magnetic attachment member (142) adapted to slidably movably attach said support mount (100) to a metal structure when said flanged head portion (140) is in contact with the drywall structure.