Display mounting system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign and display mounting systems pose risks of injury due to difficult gripper operation, slipping of mounting channels, weak magnetic attraction, and limited versatility in mounting surfaces, particularly requiring ladder use for ceiling installations.
Innovation Solution
A pole-mounted gripper system with easy operation, enhanced gripping mechanisms, strong magnets, and adaptable mounting options for ceilings, walls, and windows, including pivotable channels and magnetic mounting plates, allowing safe and secure attachment without ladders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a known sign holding and mounting device uses an elongated pole with a gripper to position a sign holder for attachment to a ceiling grid structure, then the sign can be mounted at overhead locations, but the gripper jaw is difficult to open due to high spring force and gripper configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper system transitions from a static high-force closure mechanism to a dynamic release mechanism. The jaw is designed with a bias spring that automatically opens the jaw when the release cord is pulled, converting the operation from forcing the jaw open to simply triggering a release mechanism. This dynamic approach maintains strong holding force during mounting while enabling easy release during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A release cord acts as an intermediary element between the user and the gripper jaw mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating the jaw against high spring force, the user pulls the release cord which transmits force through the mechanism to open the jaw. This intermediary reduces the direct operational difficulty while maintaining the gripping strength when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the gripper engages the sign holding channel by grasping a smooth plastic surface, then the mounting process can proceed, but the channel may slip in the gripper during movement, resulting in frustration, damage, and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper jaw is designed with a specific gripping surface geometry that complements the channel shape. The jaw features a recessed area with vertical walls that match the channel's external profile, creating a localized high-friction contact zone. This local quality enhancement at the contact point prevents slipping during movement while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper jaw incorporates curved or contoured surfaces that match the rounded corners and profile of the plastic channel. This curvature matching increases surface contact area and friction, preventing the smooth plastic channel from slipping out of the gripper during overhead movements, while avoiding complex manufacturing requirements.
3Device complexity
If block-end hooks are mounted in the channel to hold the sign or display, then the sign can be suspended, but the hooks can slip in the channel during mounting, un-mounting, or when subject to wind forces, causing the sign to become uneven or dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The channel and hooks are designed with asymmetric features that create a one-way locking mechanism. The channel includes angled surfaces or ledges that allow the hook to be inserted easily but prevent it from sliding out. This asymmetric geometry provides reliable sign retention against wind forces and movement while maintaining a simple mounting mechanism without additional fasteners.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sign holding and mounting channel is affixed to a ceiling grid using a flexible magnetic strip, then the channel can be mounted to the grid structure, but the magnetic attraction may be weak, causing the channel to become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a composite approach combining magnetic strips with mechanical interlocking features. The channel incorporates both a flexible magnetic strip for attachment to the ceiling grid and rigid structural elements with interlocking geometry. This composite design provides both the versatility of magnetic mounting to various surfaces and the reliability of mechanical engagement to prevent dislodging.
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
Enables secure, easy, and versatile mounting of signs and displays on various surfaces while ensuring user safety by reducing the risk of injury and slipping, with improved holding strength and flexibility in surface attachment.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated flexible magnet affixed to the sign holder for fastening to a ceiling grid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for mounting a display or sign to a ceiling, wall or window frame includes an elongated channel having magnets that are affixed to a ceiling grid and mounting hooks or the like to suspend the sign or display from the channel. The channel includes high friction strips on a neck for engagement by a pole end gripper on a pole for mounting the channel on the ceiling while the user stands on the floor. End caps may be mounted on the channel. Mounting plates may be affixed to the ceiling or wall for magnetically engaging the channel. A wall mount channel includes an offset neck for gripping by the pole end gripper. A magnetic clip including a string for suspending a display may be mounted with the pole end gripper. An embodiment of the channel includes hooks for engaging an open girder ceiling.