Article supporting assemblies and methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article supporting systems lack a versatile and secure method to attach and detach article support devices from a base, limiting their adaptability and usability for various types of articles.
Innovation Solution
An article supporting assembly with an assembly base featuring elongated vertical mount slots and detachable article support devices equipped with a locking mechanism, allowing the support devices to rotate from a release position to a locked position within the slots for secure article support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If article support devices are permanently fixed to the base, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the article support device into separable components: a support device base that can be independently attached and detached from the base panel through mount slots. This segmentation allows the support device to be repositioned or removed while maintaining structural integrity when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic reversible connection. The support device base can be inserted into and removed from mount slots, allowing the system to adapt between stable fixed configuration and flexible reconfiguration based on user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If article support devices are detachably mounted, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device base automatically engages with the mount slot structure through its geometric design. The base panel's slot edges and the support device base's complementary shape create a self-locking mechanism that ensures reliable attachment without additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount slot and support device base feature asymmetric geometries that provide directional insertion and secure engagement. The slot edges and base shape are designed to interlock in one orientation, ensuring reliable attachment while preventing accidental detachment.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the support device, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the basic mounting structure itself. The mount slot edges and support device base geometry are integrated to provide both positioning and locking functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric design of the mount slot and support device base creates a self-locking effect through their interlocking shapes. The slot edges naturally engage with the base structure to provide secure attachment without requiring additional locking components or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An article supporting assembly includes at least one assembly base having a base panel and at least one elongated, generally vertical mount slot in the base panel. The mount slot has a pair of spaced-apart slot edges. At least one article support device is detachably carried by the assembly base. The at least one article support device includes at least one support device base positional between a release position and a locked position within the mount slot. A locking mechanism including a locking cam is provided on the support device base. The locking cam has a pair of opposite cam lock surfaces engaging the slot edges, respectively, of the mount slot in the locked position of the support device base and disengaging the slot edges, respectively, of the, mount slot in the release position of the support device base. At least one article support element for supporting at least one article such as clothing, a cell phone or a cup is supported by the support device base. Article supporting methods are also disclosed.