Bracket With Cut-Outs For Single Pin Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting apparatuses for lifting/lowering devices in confined spaces are complex, costly, and lack safety compliance, often requiring multiple pins for installation, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk during emergency operations.

Innovation Solution

A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly that utilizes a single support member pin for mounting, featuring a body with cut-outs for secure engagement, reducing the need for additional pins and enhancing safety through a telescopic support member and shaped ends for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple pins are used to mount the lifting/lowering device to the support member, then the mounting security is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidnumber of pins required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple pins into a single integrated support member pin. The pin is designed with a head that engages with a recess in the bracket and a shaft that passes through the support member, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening elements into one component that simultaneously provides both mounting and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member pin serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary mounting element and the securing element, eliminating the need for separate pins. The pin's design allows it to engage with the bracket's recess while also passing through the support member's mounting hole, making it a multi-functional fastening component that simplifies the overall assembly.

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

2Reliability

If multiple pins are used for mounting, then the mounting security is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple pins into a single integrated support member pin. The pin is designed with a head that engages with a recess in the bracket and a shaft that passes through the support member, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening elements into one component that simultaneously provides both mounting and securing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed with a recess that is pre-configured to receive and guide the support member pin into its final position. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface ensures that when the pin is inserted, it automatically engages correctly without requiring additional alignment steps or multiple fastening operations, thereby reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a single pin is used for mounting, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the mounting security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmounting security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member pin and its engagement features are designed with asymmetric geometry. The pin has a head with a specific shape that fits into a corresponding asymmetric recess in the bracket, and the shaft portion has features that engage with the support member in a non-symmetric manner. This asymmetric design prevents accidental disengagement while maintaining simple installation, as the pin can only be inserted in the correct orientation and will lock into place securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential weakness of using a single pin into a strength by designing the pin and its engagement features to maximize security. The asymmetric recess and pin geometry create a mechanical interlock that is more secure than traditional multi-pin arrangements, while the integrated design eliminates gaps or weak points that could arise from multiple separate fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2964338B1Bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 MSA TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP2964338B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2964338B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2964338B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bracket for attaching a lifting/lowering device to a support member of a safety structure, the bracket including: a body configured to at least partially contact or envelop a support member of a safety structure, wherein at least one surface of the body has at least one cut-out that includes at least one shaped end for contacting a support member pin inserted into the support member of the safety structure, and wherein the body includes at least one surface for mounting or securing the bracket to a lifting/lowering device. A bracket and lifting/lowering device assembly and method of installation are also disclosed.