Ball-Joint Mounting Bracket With Wedging Anti-Tamper Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor electronic device mounting brackets lack sufficient anti-tampering protection, making it easy to remove the devices without leaving evidence.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket design featuring a clamping assembly with a ball-shape end portion, a single-piece clamping body, and an adjustable clamping mechanism, including a manually adjustable screw and set screw, which provides a wedging action and secure attachment to prevent removal, along with a locking mechanism and a wall cover for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounting brackets are used for mounting outdoor electronic devices, then the mounting process is simple and flexible, but the anti-tampering protection is insufficient and devices can be easily removed without leaving evidence
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple functional components: a mounting plate for wall attachment, a clamping assembly with movable and fixed jaws for securing the device, and a tamper-evident indicator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust anti-tampering protection without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident indicator is pre-configured in a normal position that indicates the bracket is secure. When any tampering attempt occurs, the indicator automatically moves to a tampered position, providing preliminary warning before the device can be successfully removed. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized removal by alerting users to potential tampering.
2Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is implemented to prevent device removal, then anti-tampering protection is improved, but the complexity of the mounting bracket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper-evident indicator function is extracted as a separate, integrated component within the clamping assembly rather than being a separate mechanism. This allows the secure clamping function and the tamper-evident function to work together without significantly increasing overall complexity, as the indicator is embedded within the existing clamping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident indicator acts as an intermediary element between the clamping jaws and the mounting plate. It provides visual feedback about the security status without requiring complex sensors or electronic components, thus maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving reliable security monitoring.
3Reliability
If the mounting bracket is designed to prevent easy removal, then anti-tampering protection is enhanced, but the ease of operation during installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly incorporates a movable jaw that can be easily shifted between open and closed positions during installation, allowing straightforward device attachment. Once secured, the same mechanical structure provides robust anti-tampering protection. This dynamic design allows the bracket to be easy to operate during legitimate installation while maintaining strong security against unauthorized removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident indicator automatically changes position in response to tampering attempts without requiring additional sensors, actuators, or electronic systems. The mechanical structure itself provides the security function, eliminating the need for complex control systems and maintaining ease of operation during legitimate installation while providing automatic security monitoring.
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 design simplifies assembly, enhances anti-tamper functionality by securely clamping and locking the device, preventing easy removal and rotation, and ensures the wall cover is securely attached, thus providing improved protection against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces may be inclined relative to the transverse axis, the clamping mechanism and clamping support may be arranged such that the first and second engagement surfaces are in contact and operation of the clamping mechanism creates relative movement between the first and second engagement surfaces that generates a wedging action that moves the clamping support along the longitudinal axis towards the ball-shaped end portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A mounting bracket comprising: a mount for attaching to an object to be supported, said mount comprising a ball-shape end portion having a first diameter; a clamping assembly, comprising: a body defining a bore extending through the body, said bore being configured for accommodating at least the ball-shape end portion of the mount, and a neck at or near one end of the bore, the neck defining a smaller opening than the first diameter to retain the ball-shape end portion within the body; a clamping support located within the bore of the clamping housing, comprising a seat portion adapted to engage the ball-shape end portion of the mount, and a clamping mechanism operable to force the clamping support against the ball shaped end portion so as to clamp the ball-shape end portion between the seat portion and the neck of the body.