Fast fit bracket assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket systems lack a fast and easy method for mounting hardware to vertical surfaces, such as drywall or wood, without leaving visible nail heads or holes.
Innovation Solution
A fast fit bracket assembly comprising a die struck metal plate and a molded plastic guide/nail set with angled apertures, secured using common finish nails, allowing for secure anchoring and invisible fastening, and accommodating accessories like hooks or towel bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used, then hardware can be secured to vertical surfaces, but visible nail heads and holes remain, compromising aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bracket assembly as an intermediary component between the vertical surface and the hardware. This bracket includes a plate with angled apertures that guide nails at specific angles, allowing the nails to be concealed within the bracket structure itself rather than being visible on the final hardware installation. The bracket serves as a mediator that enables both secure mounting and aesthetic finish simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If conventional brackets are used, then hardware can be mounted, but the mounting process is time-consuming and not easy
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is pre-configured with angled apertures and guide structures that predetermined the nail insertion angles and positions. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation. Users simply insert nails through the pre-formed angled apertures, significantly reducing installation time and effort while ensuring proper mounting geometry.
3Strength
If nails are driven at standard angles, then hardware can be secured, but the bracket requires complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket plate with its specifically configured angled apertures acts as an intermediary that built-in the alignment function. The apertures are pre-formed at the required angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the plate surface, serving as self-aligning guides that automatically orient the nails at the correct angles for optimal anchoring strength. This eliminates the need for complex external alignment procedures or specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly includes a die struck metal plate, a molded plastic guide/nail set configured to fit over the die struck metal plate, the molded plastic guide/nail set including three spaced apart apertures, each of the apertures configured at an angle with respect to a central surface of the guide/nail set, the central surface comprising two upper opposing wings and a lower central wing configured to receive and secure an accessory, and common finish nails, the common finish nails used to secure the die struck metal plate and the molded plastic guide/nail set, when joined together, to a vertical surface.