Column Grip Cam Assembly for Adjustable Railing Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively and safely mount objects on deck or stair railings, particularly between columns, due to limitations in accommodating varying spacings and providing secure, adjustable, and portable solutions that prevent tripping hazards and enhance aesthetic appeal and safety.
Innovation Solution
A cam assembly with interchangeable accessories that securely attaches to columns using a slip-resistant material, allowing for adjustable positioning and supporting a wide range of objects, including planters, lights, and decorations, by utilizing a compression spring for increased friction and load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing anchoring devices are used to secure objects between deck rails, then objects can be mounted on railings, but the devices cannot accommodate variations in railing spacing and are not suited for wider gaps between deck rails
Solution Approach 1:
The cam assembly incorporates movable cam members that can adjust their position and orientation dynamically. The cam members are capable of moving along the column grip body and rotating to different angles, allowing the device to adapt to various railing spacings and column diameters without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing of critical parameters including the distance between cam members, the angle of cam members relative to each other, and the position of cam members along the column. This parametric adjustability enables a single device design to fit multiple railing configurations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If objects are placed on deck floors or stairs, then central display locations are available, but objects create tripping hazards and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions objects from horizontal placement on floors/stairs to vertical placement on railings/columns. By utilizing the vertical dimension and attaching objects to elevated railing structures, the device removes obstacles from walkable surfaces while maintaining visibility and accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing wall fasteners are used to mount objects, then objects can be secured to walls, but the fasteners require boring through surfaces and are not suitable for column mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the boring-through-wall mechanical system with a cam-based friction grip system. Instead of drilling holes and inserting anchors, the cam members clamp onto the column surface using friction and mechanical leverage, eliminating the need for surface penetration while providing secure mounting.
4Strength
If friction grip is used to attach objects to smooth column surfaces, then portable and adjustable mounting is achieved, but insufficient friction force exists to hold heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members apply a continuous outward force on the cam members, creating a counteracting force that presses the cam members against the column surface. This spring force generates sufficient friction to counterbalance the weight of attached objects, preventing slippage even with smooth column surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam members utilize curved, cam-shaped surfaces that convert rotational or linear motion into increased contact pressure. As the cam members are actuated, their curved geometry naturally increases the normal force between the friction members and the column, thereby increasing friction force to support heavier loads.
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 safe, adjustable, and portable method to mount objects on railings, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal by securely holding items of various sizes and weights between columns, while accommodating different spacings and preventing tripping hazards.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a compression spring for increased friction and load-bearing capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A column grip that supports objects by friction grip to smooth surfaces, particularly columns on a railing system. The column grip comprises a cam assembly that actuates about a main axis to fit between columns located on deck, stairway or hallway railing. A compression spring provides a driving force to secure outer surfaces of the invention against the columns. When supporting heavy objects, its parrot beak design provides mechanical advantage proportionate to an objects weight, by pushing its outer surfaces harder against opposing columns and creating additional friction against opposing columns. A broad range of accessories, including a shelf, hook, gardening accessories, deck light, light sources, decoration, flag holder, and the like attaches to the embodiment. For example, a deck light attached to this invention that not only improve the aesthetic appeal of a deck, but also illuminates its surrounding area and enhance safety.