Articulating Wall Storage Mount for Uneven Adhesive Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall mountable storage devices face challenges in securely adhering to uneven or non-flat surfaces, such as shower or bath enclosures, due to incomplete contact between double-faced adhesives and the wall, which can lead to instability and reduced holding capacity.

Innovation Solution

A wall mountable storage assembly featuring a storage device with articulatable mounting plates and coupling brackets that provide a releasable snap fit connection, allowing the mounting plates to pivot and ensure complete contact with the wall surface, even on uneven surfaces, while maintaining the snap fit engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid snap fit connection is used between mounting plates and storage device, then structural support and stability are improved, but complete contact between adhesive and uneven wall surface cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidadhesive contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is designed with articulation capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the storage device body. This dynamic adjustment enables the adhesive surface to conform to uneven wall surfaces while the snap fit connection maintains structural stability through elastic deformation of the mounting plate material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If rigid mounting plate construction is used, then snap fit connection strength is improved, but adaptability to uneven wall surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesnap fit connectionVSAvoidadaptability to uneven surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate's physical state is changed from rigid to flexibly rigid by selecting materials with appropriate elastic properties. This allows the plate to maintain sufficient structural strength for snap fit connection while capable of bending and articulating to adapt to uneven wall surfaces, effectively changing the mechanical parameters of the mounting plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mounting plates are made articulatable, then complete adhesive contact with uneven surfaces is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive contactVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation function is extracted as an inherent property of the mounting plate itself through material selection and geometric design, rather than adding separate articulation mechanisms. This eliminates the need for additional hinges, joints, or complex assembly steps, maintaining simplicity while achieving the articulation capability needed for complete adhesive contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 ensures robust and secure adhesion of storage devices to various wall surfaces, including those that are not flat, by facilitating full contact between the adhesives and the wall, thereby enhancing stability and holding capacity.

Implementation Method 1

The double-faced adhesive is configured to be arranged between the bonding face and a wall for securing the storage assembly to the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The first and second engagement features have a complimentary construction configured to provide a releasable snap fit connection of the mounting plate with the coupling bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2931083B1Wall mountable storage assembly with articulating connection
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2931083B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2931083B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2931083B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A wall mountable storage assembly including a storage device, at least one mounting plate, and at least one double-faced adhesive. The storage device includes a coupling bracket forming a first engagement feature. The mounting plate forms a second engagement feature. The first and second engagement features have a complimentary construction configured to provide a releasable snap fit connection in which the mounting plate can articulate relative to the coupling bracket. The adhesive is configured to be arranged between the mounting plate and a wall, with the mounting plate articulating relative to the coupling bracket to facilitate complete contact between the adhesive and the wall. The storage device can include two spaced-apart coupling brackets. Two of the mounting plates are provided, each carrying adhesive. The mounting plates can articulate independent of one another, accommodating variations in flatness of the wall to which the storage assembly is mounted.