Inside Pipe Mounting Linkage for Weather-Tight Equipment Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for outdoor telecommunications equipment often compromise the sealed envelope of structures, allowing rain, snow, and wind to enter, and present installation challenges due to weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a central shaft and collars that can be rotated to adjust the position of a foot pad, allowing radial expansion to secure the device within a vent pipe, using a linkage system and elastomeric foot pads to create a stable and secure attachment without penetrating the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting devices are used to secure telecommunications equipment to structures, then the equipment can be mounted, but the sealed envelope of the structure is compromised allowing rain, snow, and wind to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is inserted inside the vent pipe, nesting the mounting mechanism within the existing pipe structure. This allows the mounting device to be supported by the pipe without penetrating the building envelope, thereby maintaining weather-tight sealing while securely mounting the telecommunications equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The vent pipe serves as an intermediary element between the building structure and the mounting device. By utilizing the existing vent pipe as the mounting surface, the system avoids direct penetration of the building envelope, thus preventing water and wind infiltration while still providing secure equipment mounting
2Strength
If heavy mounting devices are used to secure equipment, then the mounting is stable, but installation becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device transitions from a compact insertion state to an expanded secured state through rotational movement. The collars rotate along the central shaft to expand the foot pads outward, transforming the device from a small insertable component to a stable mounted structure without requiring heavy materials or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is divided into separable components including the central shaft, collars, and foot pads. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a compact form and then expanded into its functional mounted configuration, simplifying installation while maintaining mounting stability
3Strength
If penetration mounting is used to attach devices to structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but structural damage occurs and sealed envelope is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is nested within the existing vent pipe structure, utilizing the pipe as the mounting surface rather than penetrating the building envelope. This eliminates structural damage while maintaining secure attachment through the expansion mechanism inside the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The existing vent pipe, which is already a penetration point in the building envelope, is converted into a beneficial mounting surface. By utilizing this existing opening rather than creating new penetrations, the system avoids additional structural damage and envelope compromise
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 solution provides a secure and weather-tight mounting system for telecommunications equipment, reducing installation complexity and preventing structural damage, while maintaining the integrity of the sealed envelope.
Implementation Method 1
Movement of the first collar from the first position to the second position urges the linkage to expand radially within the vent pipe to urge the foot pad connected to the linkage into contact with the interior surface of the vent pipe
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric foot pads to create a stable and secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device includes a central shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end. A first collar and a second collar are mounted to the central shaft. A first portion of a linkage is attached to the first collar, and a second portion of the linkage is attached to the second collar. The linkage has an inflection point located between the first portion and the second portion. A foot pad is attached to the linkage proximate the inflection point. The first collar is movable from a first position to a second position, and when the first collar is in the first position, the foot pad is at a first radial distance from the axis. When the first collar is in the second position, the foot pad is at a second radial distance from the axis. The first radial distance different than the second radial distance.