Captive Mounting Hardware for Tool-Free Storage Device Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for storage devices are prone to separation and require specialized tools, leading to potential misplacement and inadequate shock and vibration resistance, which can result in damage and increased noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pliable grommet with a counter bore and a shoulder screw with a raised cylindrical section, allowing secure attachment and removal of storage devices without tools, providing shock and vibration isolation through compression of the grommet against the device surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting systems are used, then storage devices can be mounted, but the mounting components may become separated and require special tools for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system merges the mounting bracket and mounting components into a single integrated unit. The bracket itself becomes the mounting component, eliminating separate parts that could become separated. This integration allows tool-free installation while preventing component separation, as there are no separate components to lose or misplace.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as the mounting component, and enables tool-free installation through its integrated design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized tools while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then storage devices can be secured, but shock and vibration resistance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates cushioning elements that are pre-integrated into the mounting structure itself. This beforehand cushioning provides shock and vibration resistance from the moment of installation, preventing damage to the storage device and reducing noise without requiring additional separate components.
3Reliability
If multiple separate mounting components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and risk of misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple separate mounting components into a single integrated mounting bracket. This merging maintains secure attachment capabilities while dramatically reducing the number of discrete parts, thereby eliminating the complexity of assembly and the risk of component misplacement or loss.
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
Facilitates secure, tool-free installation and removal of storage devices, preventing misplacement and enhancing shock and vibration resistance, thereby minimizing damage and noise.
Implementation Method 1
providing shock and vibration isolation through compression of the grommet against the device surface
Implementation Method 2
providing shock and vibration isolation through compression of the grommet against the device surface
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a mounting bracket may facilitate an attachment of a first device to an enclosure of a second device. A shoulder screw may be inserted through a grommet which is mounted in a bracket, and the shoulder screw may be threaded into an opening within the first device. The grommet may have an axial through-hole with a counter bore. A portion of the shoulder screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded opening of the first device and may be designed to compress the grommet for secure mounting. A raised cylindrical section on the shoulder of the screw may be captured within the counter bore of the grommet when pressed into position and another raised section of the shoulder may prevent the screw from being pulled out of the counter bore when the screw is unthreaded from the corresponding opening of the first device.