Dogleg Tab Fixation With Friction Control for Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dogleg fixation mechanisms for mounting devices to planar panels face issues such as loose friction leading to difficult installation and uninstallation due to swinging dogleg tabs, and thread wear causing retention failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a friction-inducing member, such as an elastomeric gasket, between the fastener and dogleg tab to provide consistent friction greater than the weight of the dogleg tab, ensuring it remains in the desired position during installation, uninstallation, and retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dogleg fixation mechanism is used for mounting devices to planar panels, then the device can be securely fastened to the panel, but the dogleg tab swings freely during installation and uninstallation making the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A friction inducing member (such as an elastomeric gasket or fin) is introduced as an intermediary element between the fastener and the dogleg tab. This mediator provides controlled friction to prevent the tab from swinging freely during installation and uninstallation, while still allowing the fastener to thread through and secure the device to the panel.
2Device complexity
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used without friction control, then the structure is simple, but thread wear causes retention failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The friction inducing member serves as a protective intermediary that distributes mechanical stress and prevents direct metal-to-metal or plastic-to-plastic contact between the fastener threads and the dogleg tab. This reduces thread wear and extends the operational life of the fixation mechanism while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction inducing member changes the friction parameter between the fastener and dogleg tab from a low, uncontrollable value to a higher, controlled value. This increased friction provides consistent retention force over time while the elastomeric material deforms elastically to accommodate threading operations.
3Ease of operation
If no friction element is present, then the fastener can move freely for installation, but loose friction causes the dogleg tab to swing and difficult to control positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The friction inducing member dynamically adjusts the friction parameter during different phases of operation. During fastener insertion, the elastomeric material deforms to allow movement; once threaded, the recovered elastomeric material provides sufficient friction to stabilize the dogleg tab position and prevent swinging.
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 friction-inducing member stabilizes the dogleg tab, preventing it from freely swinging and maintaining proper engagement, thereby simplifying installation and uninstallation processes and extending the lifespan of the fixation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a friction-inducing member, such as an elastomeric gasket, between the fastener and dogleg tab to provide consistent friction greater than the weight of the dogleg tab
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric gasket fixedly attached to the housing adjacent the housing aperture and friction-fit to the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to be mounted to a planar mounting panel, including, for example, a wall or ceiling of a home or other building. The device includes a housing, a fastener, a dogleg tab and a friction inducing member. The housing is configured to be received in an aperture in the mounting panel and includes a housing aperture. The fastener is disposed in the housing aperture. The dogleg tab is operatively coupled to one end of the fastener. The dogleg tab is configured to be disposed in a retracted position and to be disposed in an engagement position, in which engagement position the dogleg tab is disposed to engage an inside surface of the mounting panel. The friction inducing member is fixedly attached to the housing adjacent the housing aperture and friction-fit to the fastener.