Foldable Mount Bracket With Sliding Lock for Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracketing systems are not suitable for applications requiring a fold-down shelf, as they are either permanent or lack adjustability and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, adjustable, and lockable right-angle bracket with a pivoted arm mount, telescopic support slide, and a latch mechanism that allows for compact storage and secure locking in a raised position, utilizing a strut and turn buckle for adjustability and a locking lip to prevent inadvertent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a permanent bracket is used, then load bearing capability is improved, but foldability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket arm is designed to pivot between a raised position (perpendicular to support member) and a lowered position (parallel to support member), transforming a static permanent bracket into a dynamic foldable structure that maintains strength when deployed and enables storage when folded
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into separable components: a support member, a pivoted arm mount, and a telescopic support slide, allowing the arm to be folded away from the support member while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable bracket is used, then adaptability is improved, but locking reliability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages with the support slide when the arm is in the raised position, providing self-locking functionality that maintains reliability without requiring external locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The support slide acts as an intermediary between the pivoted arm mount and the support member, providing a telescopic connection that enables both foldability and secure locking through the latch engagement
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added, then locking capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is integrated directly into the pivoted arm mount, and the support slide is integrated into the support member, merging multiple functions (support, telescopic movement, and locking) into unified components rather than adding separate locking mechanisms
4Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic support slide is used, then adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support slide serves multiple functions: it provides telescopic adjustment for position, enables the latch to engage for locking, and allows the arm to pivot between positions, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment mechanisms
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
Provides a versatile, space-saving, and secure mounting solution that can be easily folded and erected, offering adjustability and locking capabilities suitable for various applications from light shelving to heavy-duty workbenches, ensuring stability under load and preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
The strut may be a turn buckle comprising a threaded central core with opposing threaded eye bolts at either end allowing adjustments of the raised position of the arm mount relative to the support member
Implementation Method 2
said arm includes a latch adapted for telescopic movement along the length of said arm between a first retracted position retaining the latch within the arm and a second extended position projecting said latch from said arm and engaging said support slide to lock same
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable mounting bracket including an elongate support member adapted for mounting to a substrate, an elongate arm pivotally coupled to the support member at a pivot point and adapted to pivot between a first raised position generally perpendicular to the support member and a second lowered position generally parallel to the support member, and a strut bridging the support member and the arm wherein a first end of the strut is mounted at a fixed position along a length of the arm and a second end of the strut is mounted to a support slide that is configured to move on the support member such that the pivoting of the arm between the lowered position and the raised position causes the support slide to move along the support member towards the pivot point.