Push Pin Standoff Adaptor for Spaced Mounting With Minimal Wall Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push pins are limited in supporting heavier items and do not provide a professional, spaced mounting solution for items on walls, as they require a tiny hole and can deface the wall when removed, especially in applications like art galleries where frequent item rotation is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A standoff adaptor that slips over a push pin, increasing the load transfer surface by surrounding it with a spacer and adjustable head, allowing for secure mounting of items at a distance from the wall without damaging the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a push pin is used to mount an item to a wall, then only a tiny hole is created in the wall, but the item must be lightweight since the small diameter pin cannot support heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff adaptor is designed to slip over the existing push pin body, nesting the adaptor structure around the pin. This allows the adaptor to provide a larger load-bearing surface area while utilizing the small insertion hole already created by the push pin, thereby increasing weight capacity without requiring a larger pin diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional pin insertion approach to a three-dimensional standoff structure that extends perpendicular to the wall surface. The adaptor creates a spaced mounting relationship between the wall and the mounted item, distributing loads across a larger volume and surface area rather than concentrating force at the small pin diameter
2Shape
If a standoff is used to mount items in a spaced relationship to the wall, then a professional appearance is achieved, but the installation is permanent and alters the wall with anchors and screws
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the push pin and the mounted item. It provides the professional spaced mounting appearance while the push pin itself serves as the wall-insertion mechanism, eliminating the need for damaging anchors or screws. The adaptor mediates between the minimal-invasive pin and the aesthetic mounting requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor replicates the appearance and function of expensive permanent standoffs, providing a similar professional spaced mounting aesthetic without requiring permanent installation. It copies the visual and functional characteristics of high-end standoffs while using a reversible, non-damaging installation method
3Ease of operation
If thumb tacks or push pins are used in art galleries, then installation is simple, but the appearance is not professional and walls are defaced when items are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor nests over the push pin body, combining the simplicity of push pin installation with a professional appearance. The nested structure allows the same easy insertion and removal process while the adaptor prevents wall defacing by distributing removal forces across its larger surface area rather than concentrating them at the pin point
4Shape
If expensive standoffs are used for professional mounting, then a finished appearance is achieved, but the price is relatively high for art galleries or retail environments
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into two functional components: the push pin handles the wall-insertion function while the adaptor handles the aesthetic spaced-mounting function. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently at lower costs, avoiding the need for a single expensive integrated standoff while achieving the same professional appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is designed as a universal component that can be used with standard push pins across various applications. By creating a multi-functional system where the adaptor can accommodate different push pin types and support various mounted items, the invention reduces per-unit costs through standardized manufacturing while maintaining professional appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A standoff adaptor for a push pin. A spacer has a hole formed in one end to complementarily receive a push pin with the pin of the push pin extending outwardly therefrom. A head is threadedly mounted to the opposite end of the spacer and may be adjusted to tightly grip an item between a spacer and head.