A mounting bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window blind mounting brackets damage the substrate they are fixed to, and there is a need for a solution that does not require penetration or damage.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with a resiliently deformable friction element and a hinge assembly that forms a friction fit against the substrate, using a hinge lever member to generate frictional force without penetrating the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixings are used to secure the bracket to the substrate, then the bracket is firmly fixed, but the substrate is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fixing system (screws, nails, adhesives) with a friction-based mechanical system. The resilient friction element generates frictional force through elastic deformation when compressed between the bracket and substrate, eliminating the need for penetrating fixings or chemical adhesives that damage the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the friction element - specifically its resilient/deformable properties. The friction element transitions between compressed and uncompressed states, generating variable frictional forces that can securely hold the bracket during installation and then be released for removal without substrate damage.
2Reliability
If the bracket is firmly secured to the substrate, then it can support the window blind, but it cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic friction retention system where the resilient friction element can transition between high-friction (secured) and low-friction (released) states. The compression spring mechanism allows the friction element to be compressed for secure attachment and then released for easy removal, providing both reliable support and operational flexibility.
3Strength
If additional fixings are used to secure the bracket, then the fixing strength is increased, but the complexity of installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional fixings (screws, nails, anchors, adhesives) from the mounting system. The design achieves sufficient fixing strength through the friction element alone, simplifying both the bracket structure and the installation/removal process to a single friction-based attachment mechanism.
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
The bracket supports a window blind without additional fixings, allowing for easy installation and removal with minimal damage to the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
generates a frictional force between the resiliently deformable friction element and the substrate. The frictional force generated in this way is sufficient to support a window blind carried by the bracket
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently deformable friction element, and a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge lever member hingedly coupled to a hinge plate
Data Source
Figure 1~5b
AI summary
A Mounting Bracket A mounting bracket for a window blind including a resiliently deformable friction element, and a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge lever member hingedly coupled to a hinge plate, wherein the hinge lever member has a first configuration in which it lies adjacent to the hinge plate, and a second configuration in which it is angled away from the hinge plate; the resiliently deformable friction element is slidably coupled to the hinge plate and extends from one end thereof; and the hinge lever member exerts a cam action on the resiliently deformable friction element, wherein the resiliently deformable friction element is urged away from the hinge plate as the hinge lever member rotates from its first configuration to its second configuration.