Multi-Piece Handrail Bracket Locking for Variable Rail Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handrail assemblies face challenges in securely mounting handrail sections of different shapes, types, and dimensions to support structures while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, particularly in transitions between sloping and horizontal configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pieced handrail-mounting bracket assembly with configurable handrail-mounting subassemblies that can be selectively engaged and locked into place, featuring axial and angular blockers to provide a stable connection interface between handrail elements and support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece handrail-mounting bracket is used, then the mounting structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to handrail sections of different shapes, types, and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple subassemblies (first and second handrail-mounting subassemblies) that can be selectively engaged and disengaged. Each subassembly includes mounting members and connecting members that can be independently configured to match different handrail section geometries, allowing the same bracket system to adapt to various handrail shapes, types, and dimensions without requiring completely different bracket designs
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly transitions from a static single-piece design to a dynamic multi-pieced configuration where components can be selectively engaged and disengaged. The configurable nature of the subassemblies allows the bracket to dynamically adapt its structure to accommodate different handrail section requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base design
2Reliability
If the bracket assembly is made secure and locked, then safety is improved, but the bracket becomes permanently fixed and cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be reversible rather than permanent. The blocking members can be engaged to lock the bracket assembly in place for secure mounting, but can also be disengaged to allow removal. This dynamic locking system provides the necessary security during normal use while maintaining ease of operation when removal is needed, eliminating the trade-off between security and removability
3Reliability
If blocking members are added to prevent disengagement, then mounting security is improved, but the bracket assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is segmented into discrete blocking members that are integrated into the existing subassembly structure rather than adding a separate complex locking system. Each blocking member is a relatively simple component that works in conjunction with the modular subassemblies, providing effective disengagement prevention without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members are merged with the handrail-mounting subassemblies rather than being separate add-on components. This integration allows the blocking function to be achieved using the existing modular structure of the bracket, minimizing additional complexity while effectively preventing unauthorized disengagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a handrail-mounting bracket assembly for mounting a first handrail element to a second handrail element or a support structure, the bracket assembly comprising: a first handrail-mounting subassembly including a first handrail-mounting member and a first connecting member; a second handrail-mounting subassembly including a second handrail-mounting member and a second connecting member; the bracket assembly being selectively configurable in an engagement configuration in which the first and second handrail-mounting members are at least partially insertable into a bracket-engaging opening of the first handrail element, and in a mounting configuration wherein the first and second handrail-mounting members at least partially form together a handrail-mounting end portion and are locked with the first handrail element so as to prevent removal of the bracket assembly from the bracket-engaging opening once inserted therein. It also concerns a corresponding method for removably mounting a multi-pieced handrail-mounting bracket to a handrail element.