Picture Hanging Plate With 2D Offset Openings for Fine Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging devices for objects like framed pictures and paintings lack the ability to provide both horizontal and vertical adjustment, requiring precise nail placement on the wall, which is inconvenient and can result in tilting or misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A hanging device with a planar body featuring a two-dimensional pattern of offset openings that allow for horizontal and vertical repositioning by selecting different nail insertion points, enabling precise adjustment without needing to move the nail or the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single nail is used to hang the object, then the hanging operation is simple, but the object cannot be adjusted horizontally or vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanging operation simplicityVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional adjustment (single horizontal row of notches) to a two-dimensional adjustment pattern (staggered rows of notches arranged in a triangular lattice). This allows the nail to engage with notches at different horizontal and vertical positions, providing both horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple notches are provided in a single row, then horizontal adjustment is possible, but vertical repositioning is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal adjustmentVSAvoidvertical repositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a second dimension by arranging notches in multiple staggered rows rather than a single row. The notches in adjacent rows are offset horizontally, creating a two-dimensional grid pattern that enables both horizontal and vertical positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the nail position on the wall is moved to achieve repositioning, then adjustment is possible, but this requires moving the nail which is undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidconvenience of hanging
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the hanging device dynamic by providing multiple engagement points (notches) that can selectively engage with a fixed nail. The user can choose which notch to engage with the nail to achieve the desired position, eliminating the need to move the nail itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If hanging devices are moved on the object to achieve repositioning, then adjustment is possible, but this may cause damage to the object and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidtime for repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares multiple pre-positioned notches in advance on the hanging device, allowing the user to simply select the appropriate notch for the desired position without moving or adjusting the hanging device itself. This preliminary arrangement of notches saves time and prevents damage to the object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8708303B2Hanging device
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 BIGELOW HERBERT MARK
  • US8708303B2 patent drawing
  • US8708303B2 patent drawing
  • US8708303B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for hanging an object on a vertical structure, such as a framed picture or painting on a wall. The device comprises a body having a planar portion that lies in a plane defining a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction. A plurality of openings are present in the planar portion, and the openings are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern so that each opening is offset in the first and second directions from at least a second of the openings. The device further includes a feature for securing the body to the object.