Mounting device and method of supporting an object

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face challenges in selecting appropriate mounting devices for objects based on weight, as they often lack clear information on the maximum weight recommendation after installation, leading to potential damage to substrates and time-consuming testing processes.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with an indicator that exposes when the weight of the object exceeds the predetermined threshold, providing a clear confirmation of the device's suitability for the object's weight, including a base, cover, and resilient member that moves to reveal the indicator when the weight exceeds the recommended limit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mounting device is installed without clear weight information, then the installation process is simple, but the consumer cannot determine if the device can support the object's weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidweight recommendation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates weight recommendation information directly on the mounting device itself (on the base or cover) before installation, so the information is already present and visible when the consumer needs it, eliminating the need to search for package information after installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the consumer tests multiple mounting devices to find the appropriate weight capacity, then the correct mounting device can be identified, but time is wasted and substrate damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting device suitabilityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an indicator mechanism that provides immediate visual feedback to the consumer about whether the mounted object's weight exceeds the device's capacity. The indicator responds in real-time to the weight load, allowing the consumer to know instantly whether the mounting device is appropriate without time-consuming trial and error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the consumer tests multiple mounting devices to find the appropriate weight capacity, then the correct mounting device can be identified, but substrate damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting device suitabilityVSAvoidsubstrate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator mechanism provides immediate visual feedback about weight capacity suitability, allowing the consumer to identify the correct mounting device before installation. This prevents inappropriate mounting attempts that could damage the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If package weight claim information is provided, then the maximum weight recommendation is available, but the consumer cannot easily access this information after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight claim information availabilityVSAvoidinformation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-positions weight recommendation information directly on the mounting device components (base or cover) before installation, ensuring the information remains with the device and is easily accessible after installation without requiring the consumer to search for discarded package materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indicators (such as color-coded indicators or visible markings) on the mounting device that provide clear, easily distinguishable weight capacity information, making the information highly visible and accessible to the consumer after installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

The solution allows consumers to quickly determine if a mounting device can support an object's weight, reducing the risk of damage and improving customer satisfaction by providing a clear and unmistakable confirmation of the device's capacity, thus enhancing system reliability and reducing complaints related to overloading.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member disposed between the base and the cover, wherein the resilient member is adapted to retain the cover at the normal position up to a predetermined weight threshold applied on the support; wherein the cover moves from the normal position to at least partially expose the indicator when a weight applied on the support exceeds the predetermined weight threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11684191B2Mounting device and method of supporting an object

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Disclosed are mounting devices that allow consumers to quickly and easily determine whether a given mounting device can be used to hang or otherwise support a desired object. The mounting device includes an indicator that is exposed to alert the consumer if the weight of the object exceeds the maximum weight recommendation of the mounting device. If the indicator remains hidden, the mounting device is considered appropriate for the given object.