Panel Hook with Barb for Single-Direction Pocket Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel hooks require a laborious and time-consuming rotation movement to be inserted into pockets, making them unsuitable for mechanical mounting.
Innovation Solution
A panel hook design featuring a barb at one end, allowing the panel fastening element to be inserted in a single longitudinal movement, with the barb and hook element forming a notch to secure the panel hook in place, enabling both manual and mechanical mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the panel hook is inserted by rotation movement as in prior art, then the hook element can be inserted into the pocket, but the mounting process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the hook element first and then rotating to engage the barb (prior art), the invention inverts the sequence by designing the panel fastening element with an integrated barb that engages the pocket wall during linear insertion. The barb extends beyond the panel fastening element and hooks onto the pocket wall as the panel hook is pushed in straight, eliminating the rotation step entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel hook is segmented into distinct functional parts: the panel fastening element for insertion, the barb for securing, and the hook element for hanging. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently during a simplified single-direction insertion process, rather than requiring coordinated rotation movements.
2Extent of automation
If a rotation movement is required for insertion, then the hook element can engage the pocket, but mechanical mounting becomes unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the insertion mechanism from rotational to linear motion. The barb is positioned to engage the pocket wall during straight-line insertion, and the panel fastening element is designed to push the barb into engagement with the pocket wall, enabling automated mechanical mounting without rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barb automatically engages the pocket wall during the insertion process without requiring external manipulation or rotation. As the panel fastening element is pushed into the pocket, the barb is forced against the pocket wall and secures itself, enabling self-securing during linear insertion for automated mounting.
3Ease of operation
If the panel hook is designed with a barb extending beyond the panel fastening element, then single-direction insertion is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barb is merged with the panel fastening element as an integrated feature rather than a separate component. The barb extends from the panel fastening element and is formed as part of the same piece, eliminating the need for additional parts while enabling the notching function during linear insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel hook configured to hook a panel, such as a curtain, to a carrier, such as a rail. The panel hook includes a panel fastening element configured to fasten the panel to the panel hook by arranging the panel fastening element in a pocket of the panel in an arranging direction, and a hook element arranged on a first outer end of the panel fastening element and configured to hook the panel hook onto the carrier. The panel fastening element includes at a second outer end lying opposite the first outer end a barb configured such that a distance between a free outer end of the barb and the first outer end is at least the same as the dimension of the pocket in the arranging direction.