Spline-Channel Hanging Bracket for Heavy Screen Enclosure Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging brackets for screen enclosures are unable to support significant weight due to the thin wall construction of the frame members and cannot be easily removed or repositioned without causing damage.

Innovation Solution

A hanging bracket system with an elongated arm and main body that can be securely attached to the spline channels of the screen enclosure frame using protrusions, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without penetrating fasteners, and capable of supporting weights up to 50 pounds or more.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If penetrating fasteners (nails, screws, bolts) are used to attach hanging brackets to screen enclosure frame members, then the bracket can be securely attached to the frame, but the thin wall construction of the frame members causes the fasteners to become dislodged and cannot support significant weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support capacityVSAvoidfastener retention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces spline channels as an intermediary mechanism between the bracket and the frame member. Instead of directly fastening to the thin wall, the bracket engages with the spline channel which runs along the frame member, distributing the load across a larger area and preventing fastener dislodgement while maintaining strong attachment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is divided into multiple segments that can be separately inserted into spline channels at different locations on the frame member. This segmentation allows the bracket to distribute its weight and the suspended load across multiple attachment points, increasing overall weight support capacity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If penetrating fasteners are used to secure hanging brackets to screen enclosure frames, then the bracket can be firmly attached, but the frame members are damaged with visible holes that cannot be removed or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment firmnessVSAvoidframe damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spline channel serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for penetrating fasteners. The bracket engages with the existing spline channel structure, providing firm attachment without creating holes or damage to the frame member, and allowing for easy removal and repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the attachment function from the frame member material itself and relocates it to the spline channel structure. By taking out the need for penetrating fasteners and using the spline channel as the attachment interface, the frame member remains undamaged while still providing secure bracket attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11802654B1Hanging bracket for screen enclosure

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 HIGDON DANIEL R

AI summary

A hanging bracket for screen enclosures includes a main body having a first end with a first protrusion, a second end, a curved section, and an elongated arm having a first end with a second protrusion. Each of the protrusions include a shape and a size that is positionable within the opening of a spline channel in a screen enclosure frame. In the assembled orientation the main body and the arm are secured together to form a V-shaped member having the first protrusion and the second protrusion extending outward and locked within the spline channels. A plurality of apertures is provided along the main body for receiving hooks to suspend secondary items from the bracket.