Cross Member Bracket Channel for Tool-Free 90° Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket systems for securing items to a support require extensive disassembly to change the orientation, as their asymmetric latching mechanisms necessitate removal from rails, flipping, and reattachment to adjust positions.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a hingedly mounted arm with a latch mechanism and a shaft that can pivot and rotate to engage/disengage, allowing the bracket to be reoriented without disassembly by positioning the cross member within channel portions of varying widths to facilitate 90° or 180° rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bracket with an asymmetric latching mechanism is used, then the bracket can be securely latched to the cross member, but changing the orientation of the bracket requires extensive disassembly and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two functional parts: a base that remains fixed on the cross member and an arm that can be independently rotated and repositioned. The arm is segmented from the base through a rotational joint, allowing the arm to be reoriented without removing the base from the cross member. This segmentation enables the latching mechanism to remain secured while the functional arm portion is repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is made dynamically adjustable through a rotational joint that allows movement between fixed and rotated positions. The arm can be rotated to different orientations (e.g., 90 degrees) and then locked into place, transforming the static bracket into a dynamically reconfigurable structure. This dynamic capability allows orientation changes without complete disassembly.
2Device complexity
If the bracket is designed with a fixed orientation, then the structure is simpler, but the bracket cannot be easily repositioned or inverted
Solution Approach 1:
A rotational joint is introduced between the base and arm, enabling the arm to rotate to different orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The joint includes a rotation axis and a latching mechanism that can secure the arm in multiple positions, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is segmented into a fixed base portion and a movable arm portion connected by a rotational joint. This segmentation allows the base to remain simple and securely attached to the cross member, while the arm provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability for different orientations and positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cross member is removed from rails to reposition the bracket, then the bracket orientation can be changed, but the process requires extensive disassembly and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into a base that stays attached to the cross member and an arm that can be independently repositioned. This segmentation allows the arm to be rotated and reoriented without requiring removal of the cross member from the rails, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joint between the base and arm enables dynamic repositioning of the arm without disturbing the cross member's attachment to the rails. The arm can be rotated to different orientations and locked into place, providing quick and easy repositioning capability while the cross member remains securely in position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket defines a channel having narrow and wide channel portions. The narrow channel portion is sized to receive a cross member and prevent rotation of the bracket about the cross member. The wide channel portion is sized to receive the cross member and permit rotation of the bracket about the cross member.