Picture Hanging Alignment Tool With Transfer Sheet Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for positioning wall fasteners for hanging objects are complex, time-consuming, and lack flexibility, requiring measurement and being difficult for a single user to operate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight device with a transfer sheet and built-in level and laser system that allows for accurate marking and alignment of fastener locations on an object, enabling quick and easy transfer of these marks to the wall without measurement, using a positioning member with a ledge and marking tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing positioning tools are used, then wall fastener locations can be marked, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional components: a positioning member for alignment, a transfer sheet for marking, and a level for orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall positioning process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer sheet is pre-marked with fastener location indicators before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex measurements and calculations during the actual positioning process, significantly reducing time and complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing marking tools are used, then fastener locations can be transferred, but additional measuring tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the positioning member provides alignment, the transfer sheet provides marking capabilities, and the level provides orientation. This merger eliminates the need for separate measuring tools while maintaining versatility across different hanging object types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer sheet is designed to work with various rear mount types including wire mounts, picture hooks, and other hangers. The positioning member and level can be used together with different transfer sheets to accommodate different hanging objects, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If known positioning tools are used, then wall marks can be created, but the device is heavy and difficult for a single user to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effortVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer sheet is extracted as a separate, lightweight component that can be easily handled and positioned. This extraction allows the marking function to be separated from heavy structural elements, reducing the weight that the user must hold and maneuver while maintaining marking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer sheet is made from a thin, flexible material that is lightweight yet sufficient for its marking function. This thin-film approach eliminates the need for heavy rigid structures while providing adequate durability for transferring marks to the wall surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Eliminates the tedious process of calculating hole locations, providing accurate and efficient positioning of hanging objects on the wall, reducing user effort and error.

Implementation Method 1

aligned using a built in level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

laser system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS9987742B1Device and method for positioning hanging objects
Publication Date: 2018.06.05 MASON KELLY
  • US9987742B1 patent drawing
  • US9987742B1 patent drawing
  • US9987742B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for positioning hanging objects includes a transfer sheet capable of being marked (e.g. paper) is releasably attached to a positioning member having a ledge that can be aligned with a top surface of an object being hung (e.g. picture); the transfer sheet is then marked (creating a transfer mark) at the location of the object's mounting portion (e.g. hook); the ledge is then positioned as desired (e.g. against a wall), and aligned using a built in level; a mark is made on the wall using the transfer mark (e.g. using a pencil through the transfer mark); a fastener (e.g. nail) is then fixed to the wall at the location of the mark; the object is then hung. Thus, the tedious and often erroneous process of calculating where the hole should be using measuring devices is eliminated.