Fastenerless Fixture Mount Assembly for Rapid Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting and securing camera and lighting fixtures in the motion picture and photography industries are inefficient, requiring tools and fasteners that slow down production, damage equipment, and limit the repositioning of fixtures without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A fastenerless equipment mounting system that uses a retention system with capture channels and a position keep system to securely attach and reposition fixtures on a mount support base, allowing quick setup and reconfiguration without tools or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fasteners are used to mount the pin plate to the apple box, then the mounting process can be completed with standard tools and materials, but the setup time increases significantly to 30-90 seconds per mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: the apple box base, the pin plate with capture channels, and the fixture mount. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled without fasteners, reducing setup time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin plate serves as an intermediary component between the apple box and the fixture mount. It features capture channels that receive the fixture mount and positioning features that interface with the apple box, enabling fastenerless connection while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized geometries.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pin plate is permanently mounted to the apple box using fasteners, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to reposition the pin plate is lost without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fastened connection to a dynamic reusable connection. The capture channels in the pin plate allow the fixture mount to be inserted and secured without fasteners, enabling repeated mounting and repositioning operations while maintaining structural stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin plate's capture channels are designed to self-align and self-secure the fixture mount through geometric constraints and friction. The positioning features on the apple box automatically guide the pin plate into correct alignment, eliminating the need for external fasteners and enabling easy repositioning while maintaining stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting and demounting operations are performed on the apple box, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the apple box becomes damaged and worn out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The damaging fasteners are extracted from the mounting process. Instead of driving screws or nails into the apple box, the system uses a fastenerless connection method where the pin plate with capture channels secures the fixture mount through geometric constraints, eliminating holes and physical damage to the apple box.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of repeated fastener installation into a benefit by using wear-resistant positioning features on the apple box that guide the pin plate. The capture channels in the pin plate absorb the mechanical stress and wear, protecting the apple box from damage while enabling repeated reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pin plate position is changed on the apple box, then the adaptability to different fixture positions is improved, but the operator time required increases due to disassembly and remounting
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic repositioning of the fixture mount along the capture channels of the pin plate without disassembly. The fixture can be moved to different positions within the capture channel geometry and resecured quickly, providing position variability without the time cost of complete disassembly and remounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment mounting system and assembly for rapid mounting and supporting of a fixture mount and a fixture or other equipment, such as motion picture production fixtures and other similar equipment, to a mount support base without fasteners. The equipment mounting assembly can comprise one or more fixture mounts having a base plate and a fixture coupling extending from the base plate, the one or more fixture mounts being operable with an equipment mounting system comprising a mount support base having an upper surface, and a retention system operable to selectively and releasably and interchangeably capture and secure one or more fixture mounts to the mount support base. The retention system can comprise a position keep system capable of applying a biasing force to a captured fixture mount. The equipment mounting assembly and the retention system can be configured to accommodate fixture mounts of different sizes or types.