Adjustable Bracket Assembly with Threaded Dome

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adjustable bracket assemblies are complex, labor-intensive, and require multiple components and tools for assembly, often necessitating professional installation, leading to inefficiencies in design, transportation, and maintenance, where entire assemblies must be replaced for damaged parts.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable bracket assembly featuring a base portion with an externally threaded compression flange and a dome portion that securely connects longitudinally oriented support members to a fixed structure, allowing for positional adjustment and simplifying installation with fewer parts and tools, while accommodating various applications and aesthetic needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustable bracket assemblies are used, then support members can be connected to fixed structures, but the assembly requires many component parts and multiple tools, increasing labor and assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport member connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of component parts and tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes an upright member with integrated positioning features, a base member with integrated securing mechanisms, and pre-attached fasteners, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and tools during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate different support member sizes and types through adjustable positioning holes and standardized connection interfaces, while maintaining a simple overall structure that doesn't require multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional bracket assemblies are designed with location dependent uprights, then specific positioning requirements are met, but the design and assembly effort is multiplied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddesign and assembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is pre-configured during manufacturing with precisely positioned holes, slots, and alignment features built into the upright and base members. This preliminary positioning work is done once during fabrication rather than requiring complex adjustment and positioning during installation, reducing on-site assembly effort while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If bracket assemblies are handled fully assembled, then installation complexity is reduced, but cargo space increases and transportation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcargo space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is divided into separable components (upright member, base member, fasteners) that can be stored in a compact, nested configuration. The upright can be inserted through the base, and components can be stacked or nested together, reducing transportation volume while allowing quick assembly at the installation site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If entire bracket assemblies are replaced for damaged parts, then structural integrity is maintained, but cost increases and waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaterial waste and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed as an assembly of discrete, independently replaceable components including the upright member, base member, and fasteners. If one component becomes damaged or worn, only that specific component needs to be replaced rather than the entire assembly, reducing material waste and replacement costs while maintaining the structural integrity of the remaining components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution reduces labor and component requirements, enables easier installation and retrofitting, and allows for cost savings by minimizing design customization and enabling secure, adjustable connections with fewer tools, enhancing usability and reducing waste by allowing for part-level repairs rather than full assembly replacement.

Implementation Method 1

an externally threaded element sized to receive and hold a longitudinally oriented support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The base portion is affixed to a planar surface of a fixed support structure by fasteners through a plurality of openings through the base portion foot element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8196872B1Adjustable bracket assembly

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 ADVANCED DESIGN MANUFACTURING LLC

AI summary

A bracket assembly for securing a longitudinal support member includes a base portion and a dome portion sized and adapted to be threadably engaged around the support member, thereby securing the support member within the bracket assembly. Fasteners in the base portion affix the assembly to a planar surface. The dome portion covers the base portion fasteners when the dome portion has been threaded onto the base portion.