Picture Hanging Bracket Pivot for Self-Level Re-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional picture hanging systems fail to reliably return a picture frame to its original level orientation after being jarred, often causing damage to the frame, wall, or both due to excessive friction and complex, expensive designs.
Innovation Solution
A dual-bracket system with projecting nubs and divots that allows the picture frame to pivot back into its desired position with minimal friction, using gravity to re-engage the nubs and divots, ensuring the frame remains level without damaging the frame or wall during jarring events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nail or screw is used to hang a picture frame, then the picture frame can be mounted on the wall, but the picture frame cannot return to level orientation after being jarred due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger device incorporates a movable component that allows dynamic adjustment of the picture frame's position. The clasp can pivot along the nail, enabling the frame to shift and return to level orientation after being jarred, rather than being fixed in a static position.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger device acts as an intermediary between the nail and the picture frame. It includes a clasp that engages with the nail and a mechanism that allows controlled movement, mediating the connection to reduce friction's harmful effects while maintaining secure mounting.
2Reliability
If a two-piece hanger device is used to prevent picture frame movement, then the picture frame can be secured in level orientation, but damage may occur to the picture frame, hanger device, or wall during jarring events
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger device is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they can cause damage. The movable clasp and pivot mechanism provide built-in compliance that cushions jarring events, protecting the picture frame, hanger device, and wall from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger device changes its mechanical parameters (position, orientation, contact points) in response to external forces. When jarring occurs, the clasp can move along the nail and adjust its engagement, changing the force distribution to prevent damage rather than maintaining rigid fixed parameters.
3Reliability
If a positioning and locking hanging system is used to secure the picture frame, then the picture frame can be held in desired position, but the device is expensive to manufacture and complicated to use due to numerous parts
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The clasp combines mounting, positioning, and locking functions in one piece that pivots along the nail, eliminating the need for separate positioning and locking mechanisms with multiple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger device is designed as a universal solution that performs multiple functions: it mounts the picture frame to the wall, positions it at the correct height, and provides automatic leveling. The single clasp component handles all these tasks, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 system effectively maintains the picture frame's level orientation upon jarring, is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to install, and does not cause damage to the frame or wall, while allowing for easy interchange and display variations.
Implementation Method 1
using gravity to re-engage the nubs and divots
Implementation Method 2
with minimal friction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a maintaining an article, such as a picture frame, in a desired position on a vertical surface, such as a wall, is disclosed. The system comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket has a first part of a pivot and includes at least one projecting nub. The second bracket has a second part of the pivot and at least one divot that are each cooperative with one of the at least one projecting nubs. In use, the first and second brackets are each fixed to either a rear surface of the article proximate a top edge thereof, or to the vertical surface. Each nub of the first bracket engages the cooperative divot of the second bracket when the article is in the desired position on the vertical surface. When jarred, the article pivots back and forth about the pivot until each nub becomes re-engaged with its cooperative divot, by gravity, to bring the article back into the desired position.