Wall-Mountable Support with Angled Channel for Relocatable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mountable supports are either not easily relocatable or pose safety risks due to accidental dislodgement, with traditional fasteners causing wall damage and removable adhesives supporting limited loads before detaching.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a first and second region separated by a bend, with the second region acting as an item attachment point and insertable into a channel in an upright member, allowing for secure hanging and easy relocation while minimizing accidental dislodgement through a pivot mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners (nails, screws, masonry anchors) are used to secure the support to the wall, then the support achieves strong anchoring and can bear significant loads, but the support becomes difficult to relocate and may cause damage to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into two separable components: a reusable support element and a disposable channel element. The support element can be removed and reinstalled at different locations, while the channel element remains in the wall. This segmentation allows the support to be relocated without damaging the wall or the support itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel element is designed as a disposable component that remains in the wall after the support element is removed. The support element can be reused multiple times at different locations. This approach makes the support system relocatable while maintaining strong anchoring during use.
2Ease of operation
If removable adhesives are used to attach the support to the wall, then the support can be relocated without damaging the wall, but the support can only bear very limited loads before the adhesive detaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding with a mechanical engagement system. The support element engages with the channel element through a pivot mechanism and friction fit, allowing for strong load-bearing capacity while maintaining relocatability. The mechanical system provides both strength and ease of installation/removal.
3Ease of operation
If the support is designed to be easily relocatable, then the support can be moved to new locations without damage, but the support becomes prone to accidental dislodgement and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The channel element is designed with a pivot mechanism that requires deliberate action to disengage. The support element pivots within the channel and engages with the wall, creating a configuration that resists accidental dislodgement while allowing controlled removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to pivot within the channel, transitioning between different positions. The dynamic engagement mechanism allows the support to be securely held during normal use but can be deliberately moved to a removal position for relocation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a support for mounting in or on an upright member, the support comprising a first region and a second region, the first and second regions being separated by a bend in the support, the second region having item attachment region. The present support may be used to support an item such as a shelf, or to hang an item therefrom. The support of the present invention is configured so as to be insertable into a channel in an upright member (such as a wall) or into a receiving means that is in turn fixed to or inserted into an upright member. Also provided is a support system comprising a support as described herein, and a substantially upright member comprising a channel extending thereinto, the channel angled into the member, the channel having an upper wall and a lower wall, optionally the upper wall having a recess disposed therein. The channel may be angled downwardly into the member.