Revised improved picture hanging appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for hanging pictures, photos, or awards level on walls are often cumbersome, inflexible, and lack the ability to easily mark and install multiple hanging devices at desired locations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, rollable thin strip with a slidable spirit level and thumbtacks or pushpins that can be aligned with the frame's hanging strap or pre-drilled holes, allowing for precise leveling and marking of hanging device locations on a wall, enabling easy installation of hooks, nails, or screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional level tools (steel strips, rulers) are used, then leveling precision is improved, but device portability and storage compactness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling precisionVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible tape strip as the base structure, allowing the leveling tool to be rolled up to a compact size for portability while maintaining the necessary rigidity through fabric construction and printed measurement markings to provide accurate leveling functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from rigid two-dimensional steel strips to a flexible one-dimensional tape that can be rolled along its length, adding the dimension of compact storage while preserving the functional surface area needed for leveling measurements

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fabric or metal strips are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and rollability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a fabric tape construction that provides inherent flexibility for rolling and storage, while adding structural stability through fabric weave density, printed reinforcement markings, and the rigidity of the attached spirit level and locator pin components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines fabric material with printed markings and attached rigid components (spirit level, locator pins) to create a composite structure that exhibits both flexibility from the fabric base and structural stability from the rigid attachments and fabric tension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locator pins are added, then adaptability for different hanging points is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the locator pin function into multiple independent pins that can be positioned at different locations along the tape, allowing each pin to serve specific hanging point requirements while maintaining the simplicity of individual pin components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locator pins serve multiple functions: marking hanging device locations, indicating level positioning, and providing reference points for various picture frame configurations, reducing the need for separate specialized tools

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

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 compact, flexible tool for ensuring level hanging of items, allowing for multiple marking points and easy installation of hanging devices, enhancing user convenience and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a slidable unit containing a spirit level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12185851B2Revised improved picture hanging appliance
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 HANG EZE LLC
  • US12185851B2 patent drawing
  • US12185851B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device used to easily assist an individual in hanging a picture, photo, or award, when framed, on a wall or other vertical surface, such that the picture, photo, or award is level is disclosed. The device may be constructed of plastic, fiber reinforced cloth, or metal.