Hydraulic Utility Mount Brackets With Deployable Locking Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility mounts for outdoor applications lack adjustable and lockable features, which limits their stability and versatility when mounting devices such as cameras, shooting rests, and other equipment to various stable structures.
Innovation Solution
A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount with a hydraulic lock that applies a locking force to maintain the locked condition, combined with storable mount elements that can be deployed to engage stable structures securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing utility mounts are used without adjustable and lockable features, then the device structure remains simple, but the stability and versatility when mounting devices to various structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mount elements are designed to be movable between stored and deployed positions, allowing the utility mount to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the mount to engage with various stable structures effectively while maintaining a compact form during transport, thereby improving stability without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic lock mechanism is incorporated to provide secure locking of the utility mount in the adjusted position. The hydraulic system applies locking force to maintain the locked condition, ensuring reliable stability while allowing for smooth adjustment when needed. This resolves the contradiction by providing lockable features that enhance reliability without requiring overly complex mechanical locking structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the utility mount allows adjustable positioning, then the versatility to mount to various stable structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility mount is divided into distinct functional components including the main body, movable mount elements, and hydraulic lock system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling adjustable positioning and versatility while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex
Solution Approach 2:
The mount elements are designed with universal engagement capability to interface with various stable structures such as trees, poles, and furniture. By making the mount elements adaptable to different structures through their movable design and engagement features, the utility mount achieves high versatility without requiring multiple specialized mounting devices, thus avoiding unnecessary complexity
3Strength
If mount elements are made pointed for secure engagement, then the gripping capability is improved, but the risk of damage to other items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount elements with pointed engagement ends are designed to be movable between stored and deployed positions. When deployed, the pointed ends provide strong gripping capability for secure engagement with stable structures. When stored, the pointed ends are retracted or protected, eliminating the damage risk during transport and storage. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by separating the functional state (gripping) from the transport state (protected)
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a stored position for the mount elements that protects the pointed engagement ends before they are needed. By providing this protective stored configuration, the pointed ends are shielded from potentially damaging other items during transport and storage, while still being available for secure engagement when deployed. This beforehand protection resolves the harm contradiction
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 utility mount provides enhanced stability and versatility by allowing adjustable positioning and secure locking of devices to various stable structures, including trees, poles, and furniture, both indoors and outdoors.
Implementation Method 1
The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.