Self-locking hanging device and related methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardware for hanging objects on surfaces, such as walls, often lacks assurance of proper engagement and stability, with risks of dislodgement due to difficulty in confirming correct alignment and securing the object.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking device comprising a hanging arm or hook member that slidably mates with a mounting bracket, allowing rotation and locking along a track, providing a reconfigurable mechanism for secure object support without specialized tools, ensuring the object is locked in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nails, screws, or hooks are used to hang objects, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to confirm proper engagement and the object may become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging device automatically locks when the object is placed on it, without requiring user intervention to engage the locking mechanism. The spring-loaded arm self-activates upon contact with the object, providing reliable engagement through self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides visual feedback through a color-coded system where the arm changes color (e.g., from red to green) to indicate whether the object is properly engaged and locked, allowing users to confirm correct installation without complex tools or procedures.
2Reliability
If clips or carabineers are used to hang objects, then the device is easy to operate, but it does not lock the object onto the wall and may become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded arm automatically engages and locks the object without requiring user manipulation of locking mechanisms. The user simply places the object on the device, and the spring mechanism self-activates to secure it, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm transitions from a static position to a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts and locks based on the weight and placement of the object, providing adaptive securing that maintains both ease of operation and reliability.
3Reliability
If dual step systems with surface brackets and object brackets are used, then the object is fixed and cannot move laterally, but specialized tools are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides tool-free installation and removal through its spring-loaded arm mechanism that can be manually actuated by the user without specialized tools, while still achieving lateral stability through the locking engagement of the arm with the mounting surface.
4Reliability
If specialized locking hardware is used to prevent removal and theft, then security is improved, but the device becomes more complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides security through its inherent spring-loaded locking mechanism that requires manual intervention to release, preventing accidental removal and theft without requiring specialized tools or complex hardware systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking device for hanging objects on a mounting surface is disclosed. The self-locking device includes a mounting bracket and a locking arm member engaged with a track portion of the mounting bracket. The track portion comprising a pair of guide portions, a pair of lip portions extending from a lower end of the guide portions, a pair of rotation portions extending from an upper end of the guide portions, and a slot extending between the pairs of guide portions, lip portions and rotation portions. The arm member being mated with the track portion such that the arm member is translatable along the track portion. The arm member comprising a tip portion, a base portion positioned at least partially within the slot, and at least two pairs of projections extending from the base portion that engage with one of the pairs of guide portions, lip portions and rotation portions.