Bracket Coupling Assembly With Fitting-Based Fastening Lock Control
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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 bracket device with a fitting mechanism that includes a fastening member and a supporting frame, where the fastening member can be displaced between an unlocked and locked position, and a blocking feature prevents displacement from the unlocked to the locked position when the fitting is at a predetermined position, allowing secure fastening only when the fitting is not at that position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fastening member is made freely displaceable between unlocked and locked positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to arbitrary displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by providing a blocking feature that prevents the fastening member from being accidentally displaced to the locked position. The blocking feature actively counteracts unintended displacement forces while allowing intentional displacement when the fitting is removed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.
2Reliability
If the fitting mechanism is added to prevent arbitrary displacement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The fitting simultaneously provides positioning, blocking, and control functions, while the blocking feature is integrated into the existing fastening member structure. This merging approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member is designed to be self-blocking when the fitting is installed, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The blocking feature automatically engages to prevent arbitrary displacement, and the system self-regulates based on the presence or absence of the fitting, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the blocking feature is always engaged, then the position stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking feature is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically engages when the fitting is installed to prevent arbitrary displacement, and automatically disengages when the fitting is removed to allow intentional displacement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the blocking function to the operational state of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket device includes a bracket, a fastening member, a supporting frame, and a fitting. The fastening member is movable with respect to the bracket. Once the supporting frame is operated and thus displaced with respect to the bracket to a first position, the fastening member is supported by the supporting frame and hence in a particular position. Once the supporting frame is operated and thus displaced with respect to the bracket to a second position, the fastening member is not supported by the supporting frame and therefore no longer in the particular position. When the fitting is at a predetermined position, the supporting frame is prevented from displacement from the first position to the second position.