Picture Hanger Nylon Insert for Hands-Free Fastener Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picture hanger installation methods require manual holding of fasteners, which is difficult and prone to errors, especially with small nails, and the holding power of rubber or foam backing layers diminishes over time.
Innovation Solution
A picture hanger design featuring a base with a member that encloses a through hole aligned with the fastener hole, made of nylon-6,6 with specific hardness and flexibility, allowing the fastener to be securely held in place during installation without manual handling, using injection molding to ensure a tight fit and virtually indefinite shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber or foam backing layer is used to hold fasteners in place, then the holding power for larger fasteners is adequate, but the holding power diminishes over time and does not have indefinite shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber/foam to a rigid plastic material (nylon-6,6) with specific hardness (Shore D 70-80) and flexibility properties. This material parameter change enables the member to maintain its structural integrity and holding capability indefinitely while still providing sufficient flexibility to hold fasteners securely during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by injection molding the plastic member about the base portion, combining the rigid plastic material with the metal base to form an integrated assembly that holds fasteners securely while maintaining indefinite shelf life.
2Ease of operation
If manual holding of fasteners is required during installation, then installation can be completed, but the process is difficult and prone to errors especially with small nails
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic member is designed to automatically hold the fastener in place through its through-hole structure and material properties, eliminating the need for manual holding. The member serves itself by providing the holding function that previously required human intervention, making installation easier and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is positioned in the through-hole of the plastic member before the hammering operation begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures the fastener is correctly aligned and secured, preventing errors during the installation process.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used to hold fasteners, then structural integrity is maintained, but the flexibility to accommodate fastener insertion and hammering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects a plastic material (nylon-6,6) with specific hardness parameters (Shore D 70-80) that balance rigidity and flexibility. This parameter optimization allows the member to maintain structural integrity while providing sufficient flexibility to accommodate fastener insertion and the hammering process without cracking or deforming.
Data Source
AI summary
A picture hanger has a base portion having a hole for an elongated fastener (nail or screw). The base portion carries a member enclosing a front face or the entire base portion. The member has a through hole aligned with and on one or both sides of the fastener hole. The elongated fastener is held in place in the holes so that the fastener need not be manually held during driving thereof into a picture frame or wall. The member is injection molded on the base portion, and consists essentially of nylon-6,6 having a Shore A hardness in the range of 80-90.