Multi-Piece Handrail Bracket Locking for Section Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handrail assemblies face challenges in securely mounting different shaped and sized handrail sections to support structures and connecting them seamlessly, particularly when transitioning between sloping and horizontal configurations, which affects safety and regulatory compliance.

Innovation Solution

A handrail-mounting bracket assembly comprising first and second handrail-mounting subassemblies with connecting members that can be configured into an engagement and mounting configuration, allowing the handrail sections to be securely locked together, preventing removal from the bracket-engaging opening, and accommodating various cross-sectional changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-piece bracket is used to mount handrail sections, then the mounting structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different shaped and sized handrail sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different handrail sectionsVSAvoidbracket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is divided into multiple subassemblies (first and second handrail-mounting subassemblies) that can be selectively configured. Each subassembly includes a handrail-mounting member and a connecting member, allowing the bracket to adapt to different handrail shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple individual component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly can be selectively configured between an engagement configuration (where mounting members are insertable into the bracket-engaging opening) and a mounting configuration (where members are locked together). This dynamic reconfigurability enables the same bracket assembly to accommodate various handrail sections with different geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If handrail sections are securely locked to prevent removal, then safety is improved, but the mounting system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of handrail mountingVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handrail-mounting members are at least partially insertable into the bracket-engaging opening, creating a nested structure where the mounting members fit within the opening. This nesting approach provides secure locking while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second handrail-mounting members form together a handrail-mounting end portion that is locked with the first handrail element. By combining the functions of multiple members into a unified end portion, the system achieves reliable security without requiring each individual component to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the bracket assembly is designed for seamless transitions between handrail sections, then appearance and usability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability for seniors and people with walking difficultiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of bracket assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is designed to universally mount different handrail sections with varying shapes, types, and dimensions. The first and second handrail-mounting subassemblies can be configured to accommodate various handrail geometries, enabling seamless transitions while using the same fundamental bracket design for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail-mounting members are configured with specific local features that enable engagement with the bracket-engaging opening. The first connecting member and second connecting member have distinct configurations tailored to their specific connection requirements, allowing the overall assembly to achieve seamless transitions without requiring complete redesign for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230044982A1Multi-Pieced Handrail-Mounting Bracket and Corresponding Method

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 9220 6820 QUEBEC INC

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.