Bracket assemblies and methods of assembling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bracket assemblies for securing electrical devices to utility poles are difficult to assemble and manipulate due to the bulky nature of lineman's gloves, which complicates the handling of fasteners and nuts.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly design that allows movement between closed, open, and installed positions without loosening bolts, featuring a first strap with an openable aperture and a second strap with a corresponding aperture, along with fasteners that secure the neck within a cutout and the head through a keyhole, enabling easy installation and adjustment without the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bracket assemblies with standard fasteners are used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to bulky lineman's gloves making manipulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a cutout portion and a keyhole portion. The cutout allows the shaft to pass through freely, while the keyhole restricts the neck's movement. This segmentation enables the fastener to be inserted and secured in a single motion without requiring manipulation of separate components, greatly simplifying operation with bulky gloves.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique aperture structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fastener and the bracket body. By designing the aperture with specific geometric features (cutout and keyhole), it mediates the interaction between the fastener components, guiding the shaft through while preventing the neck from being pulled through, thereby simplifying the installation process.
2Ease of operation
If the aperture is openable to allow fastener movement, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of fasteners slipping out
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture exhibits asymmetric geometry where the cutout and keyhole are positioned and shaped differently. The cutout allows bidirectional passage for the shaft, while the keyhole's asymmetric shape restricts the neck's movement in one direction. This asymmetry ensures the fastener can be easily installed but prevents it from slipping out during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyhole portion of the aperture is designed to preemptively prevent the neck from passing through by creating a geometric constraint before any slipping can occur. The shape and positioning of the keyhole establish a preliminary barrier that counteracts any forces that might cause the fastener to slip out, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of installation.
3Productivity
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the manufacturing precision is adequate, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is pre-configured with the cutout and keyhole features during manufacturing, so that during assembly, the fastener simply needs to be inserted in a single motion. The preliminary design of the aperture geometry eliminates the need for subsequent adjustment or manipulation steps, significantly reducing assembly time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique aperture design enables the fastener to self-align and self-secure during insertion. The shaft passes through the cutout while the neck is automatically restrained by the keyhole, allowing the fastener to service itself without requiring external manipulation or additional fastening steps, thereby accelerating the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly is provided that includes a first strap, a second strap, and a first fastener. The first strap has an openable aperture including a cutout operatively connected to a keyhole. The second strap has a first aperture positioned opposite the cutout. The first fastener has a head, a neck, and a shaft. The neck is receivable in the openable aperture of the first strap with the shaft received in the first aperture of the second strap. The first fastener and the openable aperture allow the shaft to pass vertically between the cutout and the keyhole, but prevent the neck from vertically passing through between the cutout and the keyhole. The first fastener and the openable aperture allow the head to pass axially through only the keyhole.