Grab Bar Anchor Assembly for Consistent Projection and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional anchor assemblies for grab bars in bathrooms often fail to maintain consistent projection dimensions due to height variations between stud and drywall mounting configurations, and can fall behind the wall during installation, making them difficult to reuse.
Innovation Solution
A reusable anchor assembly comprising a vertical support beam, flange arm assembly, and spring, which includes a non-circular arm portion and spring edges that engage with grooves in the beam to prevent rotation and ensure secure placement, allowing for easy installation and removal without affecting projection dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional anchor assemblies are used for non-stud mounting, then installation is simplified, but projection dimension consistency deteriorates due to height variations between stud and drywall mounting configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the anchor assembly by introducing an adjustable mechanism with movable components that can be positioned at different heights. This allows the projection dimension to be precisely controlled and made consistent regardless of whether mounting to stud or drywall, while maintaining ease of installation through the simplified anchor design
2Productivity
If traditional anchor assemblies are used during installation, then initial mounting is achieved, but components can fall behind the wall making reuse impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the anchor assembly with movable, adjustable components that can be repositioned along the vertical support beam. This dynamic structure allows the anchor to be removed, repositioned, and reused multiple times while maintaining secure mounting during installation, thus improving both installation efficiency and reusability
3Reliability
If flange arm assembly is designed to prevent rotation, then secure placement is improved, but device complexity increases due to non-circular cross-section and groove engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry by designing the arm portion with a non-circular cross-section that engages with corresponding grooves in the vertical support beam. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotation of the flange arm assembly while providing secure placement, and the complexity is minimized through the simple groove engagement 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 anchor assembly provides a secure, adjustable, and reusable mounting solution that maintains consistent projection dimensions and prevents components from falling behind the wall, facilitating easy installation and reusability without requiring special tools.
Implementation Method 1
The spring includes curved surfaces that engage opposing sides of the arm portion to hold the flange arm assembly in place during installation
Data Source
AI summary
A grab bar is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, a flange arm assembly having a base portion and an arm portion, and a spring. The spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the flange arm assembly in place during installation. The base portion of the flange arm assembly has a flange that fits against a wall surface of the wall structure, and the arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. The flange prevents the flange arm assembly from falling behind the wall structure.