Pivoting Utility Hook Assembly with Magnetic Latch for Hidden Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective solutions for utility hook assemblies that can be conveniently stored out of sight when not in use, while remaining easily deployable for quick access in spaces with limited room, such as kitchens, workshops, and retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A utility hook assembly that mounts below a horizontal surface, featuring L-shaped rods with a metallic spacer connected by a hinge plate, allowing the hooks to pivot 180 degrees and be hidden by a Neodymium permanent magnet when not in use, ensuring secure attachment without mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hooks are mounted on walls or ceilings for easy access, then hooks are easily deployable, but hooks remain visible and create clutter when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The hooks can pivot 180 degrees between a deployed position (hanging vertically for use) and a retracted position (flush against the surface). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve both functions: easy access when deployed and hidden storage when retracted, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and visual clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the hooks from a traditional wall/ceiling mounting (one-dimensional surface attachment) to an underside mounting with pivot capability (adding rotational dimension). By mounting below the surface and allowing 180-degree rotation, the hooks gain a new degree of freedom that enables them to transition between visible and hidden states, eliminating visual clutter while maintaining accessibility.
2Device complexity
If a magnet is used for attachment, then mechanical fasteners are eliminated, but the magnetic force must be strong enough to hold weighted objects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite construction with a metallic spacer containing a ferrous rod. The ferrous material provides high magnetic permeability and retentivity, maximizing the magnetic holding force. The combination of the non-magnetic spacer material and ferrous rod creates a composite structure that optimizes both the simplicity of magnetic attachment and the strength of the holding force capable of supporting weighted objects.
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 solution provides a space-efficient and easily deployable hook system that can be hidden from view when not in use, ensuring items can be hung conveniently and securely, with the magnetic attachment ensuring stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet may be in a preferred embodiment a Neodymium permanent magnet selected for their small size and strong magnetic field. The magnets allow the hooks to attach to the legs at the metallic spacer without any other mechanical attachments
Data Source
AI summary
A utility hook assembly is disclosed that conveniently secures to a planar surface such as the bottom of a counter or cabinet, and has a plurality of hooks that extend perpendicular to a mounting base. The base may be half of a hinge plate with a plurality of eyelets that are collinear at an edge of the hinge plate. The eyelets each receive one of two L-shaped rods with an upturned, outwardly formed tip that cooperate to serve as hooks such that the hooks can swing/pivot about the eyelets. The legs are separated by a metallic spacer that maintains the integrity of the rods. A magnet is mounted proximal to the hinge plate in a position that intersects the arc traveled by the spacer when the hooks are fully rotated parallel to the horizontal plane. The magnet captures the spacer, which in turn allows the hooks to be hidden when not in use.