Ball Mount with Elastomeric Skirt for Nonplanar Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible mounting apparatus with interconnecting ball-and-socket elements face difficulties in adhering to nonplanar surfaces and are prone to slippage and failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A ball mount device featuring a rigid non-metallic frame with an elastomeric material coating forming a part-spherical outer surface on the stem and a pliantly conformable outer skirt on the base, equipped with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for secure attachment to nonplanar surfaces, and a ball-and-socket joint allowing for adjustable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ball-and-socket mounting apparatus are used, then they are easily adjustable, but they are difficult to adhere to nonplanar surfaces and prone to slippage and failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible elastomeric material coating on the base portion that can conform to nonplanar mounting surfaces. This elastomeric layer acts as a flexible shell that adapts to irregular surface geometries while maintaining secure adhesion, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and reliability on nonplanar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus uses a composite structure combining a rigid non-metallic frame with an elastomeric material coating. The rigid frame provides structural stability and adjustability, while the elastomeric coating enhances adhesion to nonplanar surfaces and prevents slippage, thereby improving overall reliability without sacrificing operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ball-and-socket mounting apparatus are used, then they are widely used for holding light external loads, but they are prone to slippage and failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the base portion by applying an elastomeric coating that increases friction and adhesion properties. This parameter change prevents slippage under external loads and reduces failure over time, extending the service life while maintaining the apparatus's adaptability for holding various loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material coating serves as a protective layer that beforehand cushions and distributes mechanical stresses and slippage forces. This preventive measure reduces wear and failure over time, extending the duration of action while preserving the load-holding capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting bases are used, then they provide structural stability, but they cannot conform to nonplanar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material coating on the base portion acts as a flexible shell that conforms to nonplanar surfaces while the rigid non-metallic frame maintains structural stability. This combination allows the mounting base to adapt to various surface geometries without compromising its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base is segmented into two functional parts: a rigid non-metallic frame for structural stability and an elastomeric material coating for surface conformity. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function, achieving both structural stability and adaptability to nonplanar surfaces.
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 provides a secure, adjustable, and durable mounting system that effectively adheres to nonplanar surfaces, resisting slippage and extending the apparatus's lifespan by utilizing elastomeric materials and a pressure-sensitive adhesive for improved grip and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on the outer surface of the elastomeric material coating the base portion for adhering the ball mount device to a mounting surface
Implementation Method 2
A second elastomeric material is molded over the base portion and forms a pliantly conformable outer skirt portion extending outwardly thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A ball mount device, formed on a rigid non-metallic frame having an upright columnar stem portion projected from a circular transverse base portion, and an enlarged connector core on the upright stem portion distal of the base portion. A first elastomeric material is molded over the connector core distal of the base portion and forms a smooth part-spherical outer surface. A second elastomeric material is molded over the base portion and forms a pliantly conformable outer skirt portion extending outwardly thereof with a smooth and substantially flat and circular outer surface opposite from the stem portion. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on the outer surface of the elastomeric material coating the base portion for adhering the ball mount device to a mounting surface that is external of the ball mount device.