Hydraulic Utility Mount Brackets With Storable Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility mounts for outdoor equipment lack stability and convenience, particularly in securing devices to various stable structures, and often require complex tool-based locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of selectively adjustable and lockable utility mounts with hydraulic locks, combined with movable and storable mount elements that engage surfaces securely, and climbing sticks with pivotable mount elements for easy deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional utility mounts use complex tool-based locking mechanisms, then the locking force and stability are sufficient, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The utility mount employs a self-locking mechanism where the mounting bracket automatically locks into position through its geometric design and elastic deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for external tools. The bracket's flexible body deforms during insertion and maintains locked state through its own elastic recovery force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tool-based locking systems with an elastic deformation-based self-locking system. The mounting bracket utilizes elastic theory to create a locking mechanism that engages through controlled deformation and maintains position through elastic recovery, substituting complex mechanical fasteners with simpler elastic engagement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mounting brackets have fixed extended mount elements, then the engagement stability with stable structures is maximized, but the volume of the device increases making it less convenient to pack
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates movable mount elements that can dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. These elements are designed to extend during mounting operations to provide stable engagement with structures, then retract during transport to minimize device volume. The dynamic adjustment is enabled by flexible connections and elastic deformation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate functional segments including the main body, movable mount elements, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows individual components to be optimized independently - the mount elements can be extended when needed while the overall structure maintains a compact form factor during storage.
3Strength
If the mounting bracket uses rigid non-flexible materials, then the strength and engagement force are sufficient, but the adaptability to different stable structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket utilizes changes in material properties through elastic deformation to achieve both strength and adaptability. The bracket is designed to operate within the elastic range of the material, allowing temporary deformation for adaptation to different structures while maintaining sufficient engagement force. The elastic modulus and yield strength are selected to optimize both adaptability and holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mounting bracket have different structural characteristics optimized for specific functions. The engagement surfaces have localized flexibility for adaptation, while the main body and critical load-bearing regions maintain higher rigidity for strength. This gradient in structural properties allows simultaneous achievement of adaptability and engagement force.
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
Provides stable and convenient mounting solutions for outdoor equipment, allowing secure attachment to diverse structures without tools and minimizing pack size through storable designs.
Implementation Method 1
The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount
Implementation Method 2
The mounting brackets include spaced-apart, pointed feet that can grip, engage, or dig into a stable support surface to help secure the mount at a location
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.