Mounting system and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting systems struggle to securely attach objects to hollow-cavity walls, such as drywall, without studs, as drywall alone cannot withstand significant loads, and existing anchors are complex, difficult to install, expensive, or designed for single use.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system comprising an arm and a bracket, coupled by a fastener, that clamps opposing sides of a wall to distribute load across drywall, using conical points for stability and a frictional engagement mechanism to secure the system without requiring studs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional drywall anchors are used, then mounting is possible, but load-bearing capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidanchor complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: an arm that passes through the wall and a bracket that attaches to the fixture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the arm provides structural strength while the bracket provides attachment functionality, resolving the contradiction between load-bearing capacity and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single-point anchor approach to a distributed mounting approach where the arm extends through the wall and the bracket engages the fixture in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows load distribution across multiple points rather than concentrating force at a single anchor point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If high-load anchors are used, then load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is pre-assembled and designed to be fed through the wall opening in a single preliminary action. The conical points are pre-formed to facilitate insertion through drywall. This preliminary action approach eliminates complex multi-step installation procedures while maintaining high load-bearing capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of anchoring from the front side of the wall as with conventional anchors, the system inverts the approach by having the arm pass through the wall and engage the fixture from the rear side. This inversion simplifies installation while achieving superior load-bearing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional anchors are used, then mounting is achieved, but reusability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidmounting security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed to be removed and recovered for reuse. The arm can be detached from the bracket, and the conical points are designed to be removed from the wall opening without damage. This allows the mounting system to be discarded from its initial location and recovered for installation at another location, achieving both reusability and mounting security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, permanent anchor to a dynamic, removable mounting solution. The conical points can be inserted and engaged, then later removed and re-engaged at different locations. This dynamic capability enables adaptability and reusability while maintaining reliability during each mounting instance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If studs are used for mounting, then load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arm acts as an intermediary element between the wall and the fixture. Instead of requiring direct engagement with structural studs, the arm passes through the wall opening and transfers load to the bracket, which then engages the fixture. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for stud location while maintaining load-bearing capacity and providing installation flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides secure, stable, and reusable attachment to drywall without studs, distributing load effectively and allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the wall.

Implementation Method 1

frictionally engaging the wall between the arm and the bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12569095B2Mounting system and method

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A mounting system includes a body extending from a first end to a second end. The mounting system includes a bracket adjustably coupleable to the first end to secure the body to a wall with a portion of the body between the first and second ends spaced apart from the wall. The first end of the body includes a first projection having a groove configured to receive a key of a second projection of the bracket to rotationally fix the bracket relative to the body.