Adjustable Mounting Bracket With Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height adjustable mounting brackets for pipe or conduit clamps require a large footprint due to their design, which is inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotably attached long and short bracing brackets, along with a bearing block and sleeve, allowing for adjustable height without increasing the bracket's footprint, using multiple holes for alignment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional swinging arm mechanism or linear slide is used for height adjustment, then the bracket can be adjusted in height, but the footprint of the bracket becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs a four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the bracket face height. The long bracing brackets pivot at multiple points, enabling the bracket to transition between different height positions while maintaining a compact footprint. This dynamic mechanism replaces static, space-consuming adjustment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the footprint issue by utilizing angular/rotational movement in the four-bar linkage mechanism rather than linear extension. The pivotable long and short bracing brackets enable height adjustment through rotational degrees of freedom, effectively converting a one-dimensional height adjustment problem into a multi-dimensional mechanical system that occupies less space.
2Area of stationary object
If the bracket design is simplified to reduce footprint, then the footprint is minimized, but the adjustability and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage employs asymmetric link lengths with two different long bracing brackets and short bracing brackets positioned at specific locations. This asymmetric configuration enables the mechanism to achieve the desired height adjustment range and stability while maintaining a compact footprint, as the unequal link lengths optimize the mechanical advantage and motion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable long and short bracing brackets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable height adjustment through controlled motion, and maintain stability during adjustment. The bearing blocks and sleeves further enhance this multi-functionality by providing both rotational freedom and positional constraint where needed.
3Area of stationary object
If pivotable bracing brackets with multiple holes are used, then the bracket achieves compact footprint and adjustability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: the bracket face, two long bracing brackets, two short bracing brackets, bearing blocks, and sleeves. Each segment has a specific function within the four-bar linkage system. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, reducing the practical complexity despite the sophisticated overall mechanism.
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
This solution enables the mounting bracket to be adjusted in height with a minimal footprint, providing a compact and versatile solution for securing tubular members to a mounting surface while maintaining stability and adjustability.
Implementation Method 1
a long bracing bracket having a first long bracing bracket end pivotably attached to each end of the bracket face
Implementation Method 2
one or more holes at a second short bracing bracket end, the one or more holes adapted to permit the short bracing bracket to pivot about the second short bracing bracket end
Implementation Method 3
a bearing block pivotably attached to a second long bracing bracket end; a bearing sleeve disposed in a hole through the bearing block; a bearing travel bar disposed to permit travel of the bearing block there along
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is provided for mounting conduit clamps or pipe clamps to the face of the bracket. The height of the bracket can be adjusted by removing pins that are attached to mounting bracket feet and mounting bracket arms. Multiple holes may be formed in the mounting bracket arm and mounting bracket feet to allow for various alignments of the bracket arms, which will vary the height of the bracket. The height is adjusted through a pair of four-bar linkages that enable a linear motion of the bracket face. The bracket may have a footprint that is smaller than conventional adjustable mounting brackets.