Picture frame hanging assembly and method of installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame hanging systems are inefficient and costly, as they require multiple hooks for heavy frames, cause stress on the frame structure, and lead to structural damage and unsightly installation issues, with limited adjustment capabilities and increased risk of damage to walls during installation.

Innovation Solution

A frame hanging assembly featuring brackets and hook components that allow for lateral adjustment of picture frames without moving wiring attachment points, using plate-like, rigid brackets and hooks with a cantilevered design that supports the frame's weight and allows for secure attachment to the wall without creating additional holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single hook is used to hang a picture frame, then the installation is simple, but heavy frames cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of hooksVSAvoidsupport capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into multiple functional segments: a mounting portion that attaches to the wall, a support portion that contacts the frame, and an aperture portion that provides adjustment capability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling the single bracket to support heavy frames while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides wall mounting, frame support, and horizontal adjustment capabilities. By integrating these functions into a single bracket structure, the invention eliminates the need for multiple separate hooks while maintaining the ability to support heavy frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If two or more hooks are used to support heavy frames, then the support capacity is sufficient, but the installation becomes more difficult and positioning is less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capacityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple hooks into a single bracket assembly. The bracket combines wall mounting, frame support, and adjustment functions that would otherwise require separate components, simplifying installation while maintaining the support capacity for heavy frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a string is attached to two vertical parts of the picture frame, then the frame can be hung, but substantial stress is placed on the frame structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging capabilityVSAvoidstress on frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the stress-bearing function from the picture frame structure itself and transfers it to the bracket assembly. The bracket's mounting portion attached to the wall and support portion contacting the frame backside assume the load, allowing the frame's vertical parts to remain free of substantial stress while maintaining hanging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If the frame is hung using traditional string and hook method, then the installation is simple, but the top of the frame hangs out from the wall creating an unsightly appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidframe alignment with wall

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is pre-configured with the support portion positioned to contact the frame's backside at the optimal location. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the frame is hung, the top remains flush against the wall without requiring additional adjustment, maintaining both installation simplicity and proper frame alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Adaptability or versatility

If the frame needs to be repositioned, then the location can be changed, but the hook must be moved requiring new holes in the wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidwall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the aperture portion that allows horizontal movement of the support portion along the mounting portion. This enables the frame to be repositioned without moving the wall-mounted hook, eliminating the need for new holes while maintaining repositioning flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11297960B2Picture frame hanging assembly and method of installation

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 BLACK TIE BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A picture frame hanging assembly that includes at least one bracket directly coupled to either a horizontally oriented or a vertically oriented frame element and each bracket enclosing and defining hook-receiving aperture superimposed over a frame cavity of the picture frame and with an aperture width. The assembly includes a hook component directly coupled to a building wall surface and with a cantilevered hook member extending therefrom an offset length from a front surface of the hook component to define a bracket placement zone with the bracket disposed therein and having an inner surface with an inner surface hook width spanning from terminal opposing lateral sides thereon and at least partially supporting an upper wall of the hook component, wherein the aperture width is at least approximately twice or greater than the inner surface hook width.