X-Shaped Panel Hanger for Tool-Free Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for hanging elements, such as panels, to support structures are complex, expensive, require tools for assembly, and do not allow easy removable attachment without screws or hooks.
Innovation Solution
A single-body metallic device with a base and elastic arms forming an X-shaped conformation, allowing easy attachment and detachment without tools, where the elastic arms diverge upon stress to securely hook onto the support structure and return to a less divergent state for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional devices are used for hanging elements to structures, then the attachment is secure, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three functional segments: a base for panel engagement, elastic arms for hooking, and hooking means at arm ends. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable from a single piece of sheet metal.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated device: the base engages with the panel, the elastic arms provide both flexibility and hooking capability, and the hooking means at the arm ends secure to the support structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If traditional devices with screws or hooks are used, then the attachment is secure, but the ease of operation and tool requirement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device attaches and detaches without requiring external tools or services. The elastic arms automatically engage with the support structure through their inherent elasticity, and the hooking means secure themselves to the structure. Detachment is achieved by simple manual manipulation of the panel, which actuates the elastic arms to release the hooks, making the entire operation tool-free and effortless.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms provide dynamic functionality, allowing the device to adapt during attachment and detachment. When the panel is inserted, the elastic arms flex and automatically engage with the support structure. During detachment, applying force to the panel causes the elastic arms to flex in the opposite direction, releasing the hooks. This dynamic behavior enables tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If removable attachment is enabled, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes changes in the physical state of the elastic arms to enable removable attachment. By changing the flexibility parameter of the arms through their elastic material properties, the device can easily transition between attached and detached states. The arms flex during attachment and detachment operations, and their elastic recovery ensures secure engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional components.
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
Enables simple, tool-free attachment and detachment of panels to support structures, reducing production costs and complexity while providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution for hanging panels, especially in false ceiling applications.
Implementation Method 1
following to a thrust/stressing action applied at the upper zone of the elastic arms, the latter pass from a less divergent initial condition to a more divergent condition
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
Improved device (2) for associating an element (4) to a structure (6), preferably for hanging an element (4), in particular a panel, to a support structure, characterized in that it consists of a single body (8), preferably in metallic material, which comprises: - a base (10) provided with means (15) for its fastening to said element (4), - at least a pair of elastic arms (11', 11") which develop from said base (10) and develop longitudinally so as to always define an acute angle with respect to said base (10) and in such a way that, as a whole, said elastic arms (11', 11") cross each other so as to define a substantially "X-shaped" conformation, both said elastic arms (11', 11") having substantially the same longitudinal extension and being both provided with means (16) for hooking said structure (6).