Swivel Hanger with Stop Structure for Secure Anchoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swivel hangers often require multiple components and are difficult to install, lacking simplicity and ease of use when hanging objects from support surfaces like walls and ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A swivel hanger system comprising a swivel member and an anchor member with a stop structure that limits insertion distance, allowing for easy installation and free rotational movement, utilizing a ball-and-socket joint mechanism and a tool for secure anchoring to support surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing swivel hangers use multiple components to achieve secure anchoring and swivel functionality, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchor member and swivel member into a single integrated unit where the swivel member is directly attached to the anchor member, eliminating the need for separate swivel joints and reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure anchoring functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the swiveling action, acts as the anchoring interface, and includes the stop structure for insertion depth control, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate components

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing swivel hangers use multiple components to achieve swivel functionality, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswivel functionalityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stop structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the anchor member, so the insertion depth control feature is already in place before installation begins, eliminating the need for separate adjustment steps during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating the swivel mechanism and anchor into a single component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required during installation while preserving full swivel functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the anchor member is inserted deeply into the support member to ensure secure anchoring, then reliability is improved, but the risk of pinching or restricting swivel movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidswivel movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stop structure provides tactile and visual feedback during installation by physically blocking further insertion when the optimal depth is reached, preventing over-insertion that would restrict swivel movement while ensuring sufficient anchoring depth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The stop structure allows the anchor insertion depth to be dynamically controlled during installation, enabling the installer to achieve the precise depth needed for both secure anchoring and free swivel movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy and secure hanging of objects with minimal components, ensuring free swivel movements in various directions and angles without pinching or restricted movement, while preventing over-insertion of the anchor member.

Implementation Method 1

a stop structure defined on at least one of the anchor member and the swivel member, where the stop structure limits an insertion distance at which the anchor member is inserted into the support member so as to maintain a selected distance between the rounded first end of the swivel member and a surface of the support member after insertion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stop structure: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a ball-and-socket joint mechanism and a tool for secure anchoring to support surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall-and-socket joint mechanism: Ball

Data Source

PatentEP3279484B1Swivel hanger system
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP3279484B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3279484B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3279484B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A swivel hanger system includes an anchor member with an anchor head disposed at an end of the anchor member and an elongated body, where at least a portion of the elongated body is configured to be inserted into a support member when the system is connected with the support member. The system also includes a swivel member with an open end extending to a hollow interior of the swivel member, where the open end is configured to rotatably couple with the anchor head such that the anchor head is located within the hollow interior and the elongated body extends through the swivel member open end. The system further includes a stop structure to limit an insertion distance at which the anchor member is inserted into the support member.