Adjustable Mounting Track for Accessibility Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab bars and stair lifts are limited by weight-bearing capacity requirements and complex installation processes, making them ineffective or hazardous if improperly secured, and they do not allow for reconfiguration to meet changing mobility needs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mounting system that includes a mounting track with rails and decorative covers, allowing external devices or arrangements, such as accessibility devices, to be selectively coupled and reconfigured along the track, providing a modular and expandable solution for various mobility needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grab bars are permanently affixed to physical structure, then weight bearing capacity is ensured, but installation complexity increases and reconfiguration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the grab bar into two separable components: a mounting track that is permanently affixed to the physical structure, and a removable grab bar attachment. This segmentation allows the mounting track to bear the structural load while the grab bar can be easily installed and removed without complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanently-fixed grab bar to a dynamic configuration where the grab bar can be attached and detached from the mounting track. This enables reconfiguration capability while maintaining weight-bearing capacity through the permanently affixed track portion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If grab bars are permanently affixed to physical structure, then stability is ensured, but adaptability to changing mobility needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mounting track (permanently affixed for stability) from the grab bar attachment (removable for adaptability), the system achieves both installation stability and reconfiguration capability. The segmented design allows different grab bar configurations to be attached to the same stable mounting track.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting track serves multiple functions: it provides stable permanent installation to the structure, acts as a guide for the removable grab bar, and enables various grab bar positions and configurations. This multi-functionality achieves both stability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If stair lifts are installed to assist moving between floors, then mobility assistance is provided, but construction complexity and obtrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stair lift system is divided into a permanently affixed mounting track on the staircase and a removable lift mechanism. This segmentation reduces construction complexity compared to traditional integrated stair lifts, as the track installation is simpler and the lift mechanism can be easily attached and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed integrated stair lift to a dynamic configuration where the lift mechanism can be attached to and removed from the mounting track. This provides mobility assistance while reducing permanent construction requirements and obtrusiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable mounting system for selectively coupling an external device or arrangement to a physical structure includes a mounting track positioned along a longitudinal axis for coupling to the physical structure. The mounting track includes a number of rails extending a distance along the longitudinal axis for having the external device or arrangement adjustably coupled thereto at any location along the distance. The system further includes a number of decorative covers selectively coupled to the mounting track.