Coupling assembly and bracket device thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing slide rail tool-free mounting frame lacks a mechanism to prevent arbitrary displacement of the hooks, which compromises the secure fastening of the bracket device to a post.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly with a bracket device that includes a fastening member and a fitting, where the fastening member can be displaced between an unlocked and locked position, and the fitting at a predetermined position prevents the fastening member from transitioning from unlocked to locked, while its absence allows displacement from unlocked to locked to secure the bracket to a post.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fastening member is made movable between unlocked and locked positions for rapid mounting/dismounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and security of fastening deteriorates due to arbitrary displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid mounting/dismountingVSAvoidsecurity of fastening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the movable fastening member and the bracket body. When engaged at the predetermined position, it temporarily restrains the fastening member to prevent arbitrary displacement while allowing controlled movement for mounting/dismounting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening member is designed with dynamic characteristics, being movable between unlocked and locked positions. This dynamic design enables rapid mounting and dismounting operations while the fitting provides conditional stabilization when engaged, resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the fitting is added to prevent arbitrary displacement of the fastening member, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of arbitrary displacementVSAvoidstructure with fitting and supporting frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting serves multiple functions: it acts as a restraining element to prevent arbitrary displacement, provides a predetermined position reference, and enables controlled movement when disengaged. The supporting frame also serves dual purposes as both structural support and a mechanism to guide fastening member movement, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting and supporting frame are integrated into the bracket structure, combining the stabilization function with the existing structural elements. The supporting frame merges the support function with the guidance mechanism for the fastening member, reducing overall component count and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the fitting is positioned at a predetermined location to control fastening member movement, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredetermined position of fittingVSAvoidassembly complexity of fitting and supporting frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting is pre-positioned at the predetermined location on the bracket body during manufacturing, establishing the reference point for fastening member control before assembly. The supporting frame is also pre-assembled with the bracket, reducing on-site assembly complexity while maintaining precise positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3419396B1Coupling assembly and bracket device thereof
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3419396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3419396B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3419396B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A bracket device (14) includes a bracket (24), a fastening member (26), a supporting frame (20), and a fitting (28). The fastening member (26) is movable with respect to the bracket (24). Once the supporting frame (20) is operated and thus displaced with respect to the bracket (24) to a first position (PI), the fastening member (26) is supported by the supporting frame (20) and hence in a particular position (LI). Once the supporting frame (20) is operated and thus displaced with respect to the bracket (24) to a second position (P2), the fastening member (26) is not supported by the supporting frame (20) and therefore no longer in the particular position (LI). When the fitting (28) is at a predetermined position (F), the supporting frame (20) is prevented from displacement from the first position (PI) to the second position (P2).