Foldable Deck Mounting Bracket for Flat-Stow Accessory Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck and patio accessory mounting brackets do not fold flat against the mounting surface, leading to protrusion beyond the deck railing envelope and limited space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mounting bracket assembly that secures vertically disposed deck and patio accessories by mounting two brackets to the vertical deck railing support post, one below and one above the horizontal railing support member, featuring a pivot axis and semi-cylindrical taper wedge for accommodating cylindrical posts of varying diameters, allowing the bracket to fold flat against the post when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting brackets are used to support deck accessories, then the accessories can be securely mounted, but the brackets protrude beyond the deck railing envelope and occupy excess space
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a foldable arm that can dynamically change position between operational and retracted states. The arm rotates about a pivot axis, allowing it to extend perpendicular to the post when supporting accessories and fold parallel to the post when not in use, thus adapting the space occupation based on functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket transitions from occupying three-dimensional space perpendicular to the post to collapsing into a two-dimensional profile parallel to the post. This dimensional change allows the bracket to maintain secure mounting capability while minimizing protrusion beyond the railing envelope when retracted
2Reliability
If conventional mounting brackets are used, then accessories can be supported, but the brackets remain fixed in position and cannot be retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket transforms from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a foldable arm that can rotate about a pivot axis. This allows the bracket to switch between extended and retracted positions, providing both support capability when needed and space flexibility when not in use
3Area of stationary object
If the bracket is designed to fold flat against the post, then space utilization is optimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into distinct segments: a base portion that attaches to the post and an arm portion that folds relative to the base. This segmentation allows the arm to rotate independently about a pivot axis, enabling the folding functionality while keeping the base structure relatively simple and stable
Data Source
AI summary
A unique foldable mounting bracket assembly for mounting and securing vertically disposed accessories for decks and patios. The folding mounting bracket assembly when supporting vertically disposed cylindrical post requires both an upper and lower bracket. These brackets are mounted to the vertical post. When these brackets are used in conjunction with the railing of a deck the brackets can be mounted to the vertical railing support post below the top railing horizontal support cross member and above the lower support cross member. This unique foldable mounting bracket when not in use stows flat against the vertical support post not protruding out of the envelope of the standard 2″×4″ railing horizontal members.