Ceiling Mount Assembly with Compressible Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mounting hardware for electronic devices in ceilings lacks aesthetic appeal, is not suitable for supporting heavy devices, and is difficult to install, especially when dealing with non-uniform or varying ceiling configurations.

Innovation Solution

A mount assembly featuring a collar and independently controlled arms that can be compressibly engaged with the ceiling surface, allowing for easy installation and support of electronic devices without requiring access to the ceiling's rear, with the arms being adjustable to accommodate different ceiling widths and irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If surface mounting is used, then ease of installation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is nested within the ceiling cavity, with the collar positioned inside and arms extending to engage the ceiling surface. This nesting approach allows the mounting hardware to be concealed within the ceiling structure, providing a flush, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining ease of installation from the accessible side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a two-dimensional surface mount to a three-dimensional installation that extends into the ceiling cavity. The arms provide a spatial bridge between the collar (inside the cavity) and the ceiling surface (external), enabling aesthetic internal mounting while preserving installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If internal mounting is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The arms are designed with adjustable compression capability, allowing them to be tightened against the ceiling surface to dynamically increase load-bearing capacity. This dynamic adjustment enables the internal mounting system to support heavy electronic devices while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system changes the compression parameter of the arms to adjust load-bearing capacity. By compressing the arms against the ceiling surface, the system increases friction and mechanical engagement, thereby enhancing strength without compromising aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If internal mounting with additional hardware is used, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmounting hardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar and arms are designed as an integrated mounting assembly that combines multiple functions into a single unit. The collar provides structural support and attachment points, while the arms provide compression and engagement with the ceiling surface. This merging reduces the need for separate mounting brackets, screws, and other additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is designed to be universally applicable to various ceiling types and electronic devices. The adjustable arms can accommodate different ceiling surfaces and widths, while the collar can attach to different device housings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for device-specific or ceiling-specific additional hardware.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If fixed-width mounts are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemount dimensionsVSAvoidadaptability to ceiling configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arms are designed to be adjustable in position and compression, allowing the mounting assembly to adapt to varying ceiling widths and configurations. This dynamic adjustability enables the same mounting hardware to be used across different ceiling types without requiring precision-manufactured fixed-width mounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into adjustable components (collar and arms) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing precision while the overall assembly provides adaptability to different ceiling configurations through adjustable arm positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a visually appealing, easy-to-install, and robust mounting system capable of supporting heavy electronic devices on various ceiling configurations, ensuring secure and adaptable installation.

Implementation Method 1

Each arm further comprises a first portion further comprising a threaded insert extending from a top surface of the first portion to a bottom portion of the first portion... The body of each screw configured for extending through a corresponding threaded insert of one of the at least two arms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 2

at least two arms coupled to the housing at a hinge... Each arm further comprises a first portion further comprising a threaded insert... a second portion meeting the first portion at a hinge, and a third portion meeting the second portion at a hinge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

configured for being compressibly engaged with an inner surface of a planar board... configured for supporting the collar in the wall by being compressibly engaged with an inner surface of the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9407074B2Mount assembly
Publication Date: 2016.08.02 CRESTRON ELECTRONICS INC
  • US9407074B2 patent drawing
  • US9407074B2 patent drawing
  • US9407074B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mounting assembly is configured for mounting electronics in a ceiling or wall without requiring access to interior portions of the ceiling or wall. The mounting assembly comprises a collar, at least two arms and at least two threaded screws. The collar fits around and attaches to the electronics housing. The at least two arms are each independently compressed to engage the ceiling and are coupled to the collar to support the collar in the ceiling.