Fir Tree Mount Structure for Lateral Wobble Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fir tree mounts experience lateral movement due to severe impacts, leading to potential noise and damage to attached components.
Innovation Solution
The anti-wobble fir tree mount design includes a mounting section with a mounting stud, first and second branches that deflect in a specific direction, and a flange member that limits the deflection of the second branch, reducing lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second portion of branches is allowed to flex freely within the aperture, then the mounting section can be easily inserted, but lateral movement and wobble occur during severe impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the branches by introducing a flange member that limits deflection. The branches maintain flexibility for insertion but the flange member restricts excessive lateral movement, transforming the branch behavior from fully flexible to controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange member acts as an intermediary element between the branch and the mounting aperture wall. It mediates the interaction by contacting the aperture wall to limit branch deflection, thereby reducing lateral movement without preventing the necessary flexing for insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gap exists between the mounting stud and distal ends of branches, then the branches can deflect during insertion, but the mounting stud moves laterally within the aperture under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the branch structure by adding a flange member at a specific location along the branch. This segmentation allows the branch to deflect at one location (maintaining adaptability) while the flange member provides a stopping point that limits excessive movement (improving reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The flange member is pre-positioned on the branch before insertion. During insertion, the flange member makes preliminary contact with the aperture wall to limit deflection, preventing the branch from deflecting too far and causing lateral movement of the mounting stud.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the branches are made more rigid to prevent lateral movement, then stability improves, but the mounting section becomes difficult to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only a specific portion of the branch (the portion beyond the flange member) rigid, while the portion before the flange member remains flexible. This localized rigidity provides lateral stability without preventing insertion.
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
This design effectively reduces lateral movement of the fir tree mount, maintaining the position of attached components, thereby minimizing noise and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the first branch and the second branch configured for deflection in a direction of the body section upon insertion of the mounting section into the mounting aperture
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes anti-wobble fir tree mounts for attaching a component to a supporting structure. In aspects, an anti-wobble fir tree mount is configured for reducing the lateral movement of the anti-wobble fir tree mount during use. In some implementations, the device may include a body section having a bottom portion with a mounting section extending therefrom. The mounting section is configured for insertion into a mounting aperture defined in a supporting structure first side. The mounting section having: a mounting stud; first and second branches extending from the mounting stud; the second branch spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch positioned between the body section and the second branch, the second branch may include an upper side facing the body section, the first branch may include: a lower side, the lower side facing the upper side of the second branch; and a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member configured for contacting the upper side during insertion of the mounting section into the mounting aperture to limit a deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body section.