Adjustable Bracket Connection Device with Elastic Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices, such as the bracket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,911,037 B2, face difficulties in mounting due to a stationary nub connected to the panel portion, limiting adjustability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a base with guiding and position-limiting structures and a bracket with elastic portions that move into defined spaces on the base, allowing for adjustable and effortless mounting, enabling horizontal displacement and secure attachment to furniture members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nub is connected to the panel portion in a continuous manner, then the structure is simple and strong, but the mounting difficulty increases and adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a base with guiding/position-limiting structures, a bracket with elastic portions, and distinct upper/lower features. This segmentation allows the elastic portions to be independently deformable, enabling easy mounting while maintaining overall structural strength through the coordinated interaction of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portions are designed to be dynamically deformable during the mounting process, allowing the bracket to be easily inserted into the base. Once mounted, the elastic portions return to their original shape, providing secure holding force. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of mounting and structural strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the nub is stationary with respect to the panel portion, then the structure is stable, but the adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portions provide dynamic adjustability by deforming during positioning and then stabilizing at the new position. The base includes guiding structures that define movement paths and position-limiting structures that establish stop positions, allowing the bracket to be adjusted to different horizontal positions while maintaining stability once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal position of the bracket relative to the base can be changed by deforming the elastic portions and moving the bracket along the guiding structures. The position-limiting structures provide discrete stop positions, allowing parameter changes in horizontal positioning while maintaining structural stability at each position.
3Strength
If the bracket is rigidly connected to the panel portion, then the mounting strength is high, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portions serve themselves by automatically deforming during insertion and then self-locking when they return to their original shape against the position-limiting structures. The guiding structures automatically guide the bracket into the correct position during mounting, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portions act as intermediaries between the bracket and the base, providing both the mounting connection and the adjustment mechanism. The guiding structures and position-limiting structures serve as intermediaries that facilitate the mounting process by defining the movement path and stop positions, reducing mounting complexity while maintaining strength.
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 mounting of the bracket to the base, allowing for adjustable positioning and improved usability compared to conventional devices, with the elastic portions storing and releasing forces to fit within defined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic portion of the bracket is guided into the first moving space by the first guiding structure of the base, and the upper portion and the lower portion of the bracket are mounted to the upper feature and the lower feature of the base respectively
Implementation Method 2
the second elastic portion of the bracket is brought into contact with the second position-limiting structure of the base, releases an elastic force upon moving past the second position-limiting structure, and thus enters the second moving space
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device includes a base and a bracket. The base includes an upper feature, a lower feature, and a middle wall disposed between the upper and the lower features. The middle wall includes a guiding structure and a position-limiting structure that define a moving space therebetween. The bracket is configured to be movably mounted on the base and includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a middle portion disposed between the upper and the lower portions. The middle portion includes an elastic portion configured to be mounted in the moving space. The upper and the lower portions of the bracket are configured to be mounted to the upper and the lower features of the base respectively.