Adjustable Mounting Arrangement for Ceiling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arrangements for devices in structures, such as recessed installations in ceilings or walls, can be difficult to operate and are often costly to manufacture, particularly when trying to secure devices like spotlights, loudspeakers, or cameras.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement comprising a socket, an anchoring element, and a fastening element with adjustable engagement, where the anchoring element has a U-shape with abutment portions and an interior thread for the fastening element, allowing for adjustable thickness adaptation and easy mounting by reducing the axial distance between the anchoring element and the socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements with fixing legs on screws are used, then secure holding of the device is achieved, but the difficulty of operating screws while holding the arrangement in place increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement is divided into separate functional components: a socket for receiving the device, an anchoring element with legs for securing to the structure, and a fastening element for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary between the socket and the anchoring element. It provides a convenient interface for adjustment and securing, eliminating the need to directly manipulate screws while holding the entire arrangement in place. The fastening element can be operated independently to achieve secure mounting.
2Ease of operation
If spring-biased supporting legs are used as in EP 2 045 512, then easier installation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring element uses simple plastic legs without expensive spring mechanisms. These legs are designed to be inserted through the structure and secured with a fastening element, providing a cost-effective alternative to spring-biased systems while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement is designed to be self-installing without requiring complex mechanisms. The legs are inserted through the structure, and the fastening element secures them in place, eliminating the need for springs or other expensive components while maintaining ease of installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting arrangement is made adjustable for different thicknesses, then adaptability to different structures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element provides adjustable engagement with the anchoring element, allowing the distance between the socket and anchoring element to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to different structure thicknesses without requiring multiple different mounting arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement allows for parameter changes in the distance between the socket and anchoring element through the adjustable fastening element. This simple mechanism enables the same basic design to adapt to various thickness requirements without increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement for mounting a device in an opening in a structure comprising a socket configured to receive the device, an anchoring element, and a fastening element configured for adjustable engagement with the anchoring element is disclosed. The socket has a plate portion and a body portion to be insertable in the opening, and an abutment flange extending from the body portion and dimensioned to abut a first side of the structure, and an aperture for receiving the fastening element. The anchoring element is insertable through the opening and has abutment portions for abutting a second side of the structure, the anchoring element comprising an opening for receiving and holding the fastening element. The fastening element has a distal end configured to adjustably engage with the opening of the anchoring element, and a proximal end configured to engage with the aperture of the socket and to hold the socket.