Cam-Lock Anchor Assembly for Damage-Free Siding Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional anchor systems for attaching securement points to structures often result in permanent damage, are one-time use, or require extensive installation and removal processes, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the structure.

Innovation Solution

A quick attach anchor system featuring a base with a plate and slot, a cam mechanism for selective securement, and a faceplate for additional securement points, allowing for easy attachment and removal without adhesives or fasteners, and enabling modular configurations for varying applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used to attach securement points to structures, then securement is achieved, but permanent damage is caused to the structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidstructural damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is divided into separate modular components: a base that interfaces with the structure, a faceplate that provides the securement point, and a cam mechanism for attachment/detachment. This segmentation allows the anchor to be removed without permanent damage while maintaining securement reliability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic reversible attachment. The cam mechanism enables the anchor to be quickly attached and detached multiple times, providing securement when needed without permanent damage to the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used, then securement is achieved, but extensive installation and removal processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base is pre-configured with a slot and cam mechanism that is ready for quick engagement. The faceplate can be rapidly attached by aligning and engaging the cam, eliminating extensive installation procedures while maintaining securement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The quick-attach design allows users to independently and rapidly install or remove the anchor system as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used, then securement is achieved, but the systems are one-time use only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is designed for repeated cycles of attachment and detachment. The cam mechanism and slot design allow the anchor to be securely attached, used, then easily removed and reattached to the same or different locations, providing unlimited reusability while maintaining securement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of being one-time use, the anchor components (base, faceplate, cam) are designed to be recovered after use and reused multiple times. The modular design allows easy separation and storage of components for future use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used, then securement is achieved, but adhesives or fasteners are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts and eliminates the need for adhesives and fasteners. The cam-and-slot mechanical engagement system provides securement through friction and geometric constraint alone, simplifying the attachment mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Chemical bonding (adhesives) and threaded fasteners are replaced with a purely mechanical cam-and-slot engagement system. This substitution simplifies the attachment process by eliminating curing times, tool requirements, and complex assembly procedures while providing reliable securement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The anchor system provides efficient and reusable securement to structures like lap siding without causing permanent damage, facilitating quick installation and removal, and offering modular flexibility for different load-bearing and securement needs.

Implementation Method 1

The anchor device may include a cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position may be configured to clamp a structure within the slot to secure the device to the structure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

The anchor device may include a tab positioned at least partially opposite the plate across the slot. The tab may be configured to bend resiliently towards the plate with movement of the cam towards the locked position to clamp the structure within the slot.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12241587B2Quick attach anchor systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 ENGAGE ENTERPRISES LLC
  • US12241587B2 patent drawing
  • US12241587B2 patent drawing
  • US12241587B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Quick attach anchor systems and methods are provided. A system may include an anchor and a faceplate coupled to the anchor. The anchor may include a base, a plate extending from the base to define a slot between the plate and the base, and a cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position may be configured to clamp a structure within the slot to secure the device to the structure. The unlocked position may be configured to unclamp the structure within the slot. Additional systems and associated methods are also provided.