Article Cushion Bracket Interface for Scratch-Free Stable Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cushioning interfaces between rigid objects, such as U-shaped devices and vehicle components, often result in scratching or damage due to inadequate installation and stability, with existing solutions being difficult to interchange or remove.
Innovation Solution
An article cushion with a resilient body and elongate channel, featuring openable and closed brackets with pliable arms, allows for easy installation and secure positioning between a clasp and a target component, preventing transverse movement while allowing axial movement, thus providing a cushioned interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a metallic U-bolt is used to secure an article holder to a vehicle component, then the attachment is tightly secured in position, but the vehicle component is scratched or visibly blemished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an article cushion as an intermediary component positioned between the metallic U-bolt and the vehicle component. This cushion absorbs the contact pressure and prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby eliminating scratching and blemishing while maintaining secure attachment through the cushion's friction and deformation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the interface from rigid metal-to-metal contact to a compliant, deformable interface. The article cushion material is selected to have appropriate hardness, elasticity, and friction characteristics that allow it to deform under load, distribute pressure, and maintain stable attachment without damaging the vehicle component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cushioning interfaces are used between metallic components, then scratching is prevented, but the devices are difficult to interchange or do not remain in desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into distinct functional components: the metallic U-bolt for securement, the article cushion for protection and positioning, and the article holder for carrying. This segmentation allows each component to be independently selected, installed, and replaced. The cushion can be easily interchanged by simply removing the U-bolt, while the positioning features ensure proper alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic characteristics into the article cushion through its material properties and geometric features. The cushion is designed to deform elastically under installation loads, frictionally engage with the U-bolt and vehicle component, and maintain stable positioning through controlled deformation. This dynamic behavior enables easy installation and interchangeability while ensuring the cushion remains in the desired position during use.
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 effectively reduces vibration and prevents scratching while being easy to install, reposition, and interchange, maintaining a secure position during use.
Implementation Method 1
An article cushion can include a body formed from a resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
An article cushion is provided, including a body formed from a resilient material and an elongate channel defined in the body. At least one openable bracket has a pair of pliable, openable arms that terminate in a receiving gap. The receiving gap has a width smaller than a cross-section of the clasp. The clasp is insertable transversely through the receiving gap when the openable arms are in a splayed configuration, with the openable arms securing the clasp therebetween when the open arms are in a relaxed configuration. At least one closed bracket has a pair of pliable, closed arms that terminate in a restraining area. The restraining area is sized and shaped to prevent transverse insertion or extraction of the clasp through the restraining area, the clasp being axially moveable through closed arms when the closed arms are in a relaxed configuration.