Angled Plate Mount Assembly to Prevent Frame Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural frames in automation equipment, furniture, and buildings often experience loosening of nut and bolt combinations due to vibration and environmental factors, leading to compromised integrity and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A mount system that mechanically interlocks a plate to a frame member using a cylindrical head with a tapered portion and flange, combined with a nut and bolt mechanism, which provides a clamping force to secure the plate and frame member together, preventing rotational movement and maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nut and bolt combinations are used to secure frame members together, then the frame components can be easily assembled, but the connection loosens over time due to vibration and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates a pivotable nut that can rotate within the cavity, allowing the connection to dynamically adjust and accommodate vibration and movement while maintaining secure attachment. The nut pivots about a pivot point defined by the edge of the frame member, enabling the connection to adapt to dynamic conditions rather than remaining rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is received within a cavity in the frame member, creating a nested structure where the fastening component is housed within the structural element. This nesting provides protection and constraint for the nut while maintaining easy access for assembly and disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fastening methods are used, then assembly is simple, but alignment is compromised as frame members rotate relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The mount features an asymmetric design with a slot extending in a first direction and a cavity extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of frame members relative to each other while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional constraint by extending the slot and cavity in perpendicular directions, creating a two-dimensional constraint system that prevents rotation in multiple planes. This multi-directional constraint maintains alignment precision without complicating the assembly process.
3Manufacturing precision
If a mount system with slot and cavity is used, then alignment is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: the slot provides alignment guidance, the cavity houses and constrains the nut, the tapered portion secures the plate, and the flange prevents rotation. This multi-functionality achieves precise alignment without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 mount system effectively maintains the connection between the plate and frame member during repeated use, preventing loosening and ensuring structural integrity and alignment, suitable for various applications and user-defined angles.
Implementation Method 1
The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head including a tapered portion frictionally engageable with the inner surface of the plate
Implementation Method 2
Threading the bolt into the nut exerts a clamping force on the plate between the flange and the frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A mount is provided for mounting a plate to a frame assembly. The mount includes a generally cylindrical head extendable through an aperture the plate and having an upper surface, a lower face, an outer peripheral surface, and a mounting rail receivable in a slot of the frame member of the frame assembly. The cylindrical head includes a bolt-receiving bore extending through the cylindrical head along a bore axis at an acute angle to the upper face that is adapted to receive a bolt therethrough. A flange extends radially extending from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical head. The flange has a diameter greater than the diameter of at least a portion of the aperture through the plate. Tightening of the bolt captures the plate between the flange and the frame member.