Interlocking Bracket Assembly for Tool-Free Panel Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of electronic devices with user interfaces and hardware components through openings in cabinet walls are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple screws or bolts, making them slow, unreliable, and susceptible to vandalism.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with interlocking retainers and a releasable lock mechanism allows the first and second bodies to engage and clamp against an intermediate panel without tools, using lug and wedge pairs and a spring-biased friction member for secure and tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws or bolts are used to connect the bracket assembly, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the installation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that can be independently positioned and then interconnected through retainers. This segmentation allows each body to be installed separately through the opening, simplifying the installation process while maintaining a reliable final connection through the interlocking retainer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system using multiple screws or bolts is replaced with a retainer-based interlocking system. The retainers with complementary shapes (e.g., lugs and slots, or interlocking geometries) create a secure mechanical connection without requiring threaded fasteners, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Strength
If multiple screws or bolts are used to connect the bracket assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers are pre-configured with complementary geometries (such as lugs with corresponding slots or pre-formed interlocking shapes) that enable direct engagement. This preliminary preparation of the connection interfaces allows the bracket bodies to be quickly interlocked without the time-consuming process of threading and tightening multiple screws or bolts, while still achieving strong mechanical connection.
3Reliability
If traditional screw or bolt connections are used, then the assembly is secure, but it becomes susceptible to vandalism through tool-based removal
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerability point in traditional screw connections is the accessibility of the fasteners to vandals using tools. This invention extracts or removes the exposed screw/bolt heads from the external environment by using retainers that interlock internally or through sealed interfaces. The retainer system can be designed to require specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures, effectively taking out the easy-access vulnerability from the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation of several screws or bolts is required, then the connection can be adjusted, but the installation procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is designed to provide multiple functions: it creates a secure mechanical connection, allows for positioning adjustment during installation, and can accommodate variations in installation scenarios. The retainers can be designed with features such as adjustable positioning slots or flexible mounting options that maintain adaptability while simplifying the overall installation procedure compared to multiple individual screw connections.
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
This solution enables faster, more reliable installation and removal of electronic devices, reduces vulnerability to vandalism, and lowers manufacturing costs compared to prior art, while maintaining a secure and sealed connection.
Implementation Method 1
The friction member may be spring-biased towards the abutment portion and may be released from the abutment portion by operation of a lever connected to the friction member
Implementation Method 2
The friction member may be spring-biased towards the abutment portion and may be released from the abutment portion by operation of a lever connected to the friction member
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes one or more first retainers and the second body includes one or more second retainers. The retainers are shaped and arranged for mating engagement by relative movement of one or both of the first and second body. Interaction between the retainers causes the first and second bodies to become interlocked and forced towards one another. The first retainers can include first and second lug pairs and the second retainers can include first and second wedge portions.