Adjustable Post Wedge Mechanism for Secure Aperture Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post securing mechanisms are obtrusive, susceptible to contamination, and lack aesthetic appeal, while requiring additional fixes for rigidity and internal access, making them unsuitable for temporary installations and removable details.
Innovation Solution
A post with an angled end portion and a complementary wedge that slidably moves to increase the cross-sectional area, allowing secure insertion and removal without localized point forces, using a drawbar or cantilever mechanism for adjustment, maintaining a parallel interface surface for even force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge arrangement compresses against a localized point on the post to secure it, then the post is secured in place, but the mechanism is obtrusive and susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped element acts as an intermediary between the post and the securing mechanism. The wedge has a first surface that contacts the post and a second surface that contacts the aperture walls, transferring the securing force through this intermediate element rather than direct point contact, reducing contamination exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism transitions from localized point contact to distributed surface contact by extending the wedge shape along the post surface. This dimensional change from point to area contact reduces the concentration of forces and minimizes exposure to contamination.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the aperture dimensions closely match the post dimensions, then minimal movement occurs after insertion, but the post is difficult to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is positioned in a retracted state before insertion, creating a reduced cross-sectional profile at the post end. This preliminary configuration allows easy insertion into the aperture, and the wedge is then advanced after insertion to achieve the secure fitted state.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is made movable relative to the post, allowing the post's effective cross-sectional area to change dynamically. During insertion, the wedge is retracted to reduce size; after insertion, the wedge is advanced to expand and secure the post firmly in the aperture.
3Reliability
If a wedge increases the post diameter at the extreme end, then the post is jammed in the socket, but internal access is required for a second fix of retaining screws
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is extracted from the post body as a separate, movable element rather than being integral to the post structure. This allows the wedge to be independently positioned and adjusted without requiring internal access to the post for additional fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge itself provides both the expansion function and the securing function in a single element. As the wedge is advanced, it simultaneously increases the cross-sectional area and contacts the aperture walls to secure the post, eliminating the need for separate retaining screws or internal access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism is used to slidably move the wedge, then the cross-sectional area can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge and post end portion feature complementary angled surfaces that create a self-guiding mechanical interface. This geometric design provides automatic alignment and smooth sliding movement without requiring complex guides, rails, or additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to decrease the cross-sectional area, the design allows the wedge to naturally retract, and the securing action is achieved by advancing the wedge. The inversion of the typical expansion-contraction sequence simplifies the mechanism by relying on the wedge's geometry to guide its own movement.
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
Provides a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use post securing system that minimizes play and damage risk, suitable for various structural applications without visible obtrusive fixings.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge, having a complementary angled face arranged against the angled face of the end portion, which is configured to be slidably movable at the end portion to adjust a second cross-sectional area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure resides in a post, configured to be removably securable in an aperture and having a predetermined first cross-sectional area. The post includes an end portion having an angled face and a wedge, having a complementary angled face arranged against the angled face of the end portion. The wedge is configured to be slidably movable at the end portion to adjust a second cross-sectional area, defined by the wedge and the end portion. The angled face of the wedge is slidably movable relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion (14) within an aperture. The post may further comprise a mechanism connected to the wedge for slidably moving the angled face of the wedge relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion within an aperture. The mechanism may be a drawbar having a threaded portion, which is engageable with the wedge whereby rotation of the drawbar causes the wedge to slidably move.