Releasable Jaw Mount With Locking Latch for Fast Secure Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for securing accessories to structures often require complex screw mechanisms that are difficult to use, requiring significant strength and dexterity, and do not efficiently transfer motion from accessories to the structure.
Innovation Solution
A mount with a pair of jaws that can be easily clamped and locked using a latch mechanism, allowing for quick and effortless attachment and detachment, and enabling efficient transfer of motion from accessories to the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw mechanisms are used to secure the mount to the structure, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but the operation becomes difficult and requires significant strength and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw mechanism with a latch mechanism that operates on a different mechanical principle. Instead of threading and torque, the latch uses leverage and cam action to secure the mount, eliminating the need for rotational motion and significantly reducing the strength and dexterity required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from high-force screw tightening to low-force latch engagement. The latch mechanism transforms the force application from axial compression through threads to lateral leveraging through a pivot point, fundamentally altering the mechanical parameters required for secure mounting.
2Force
If screw mechanisms are used to tighten the mount, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the time and effort required for tightening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism replaces the multi-turn screw tightening process with a single-motion engagement. The latch pivots from an open to a closed position in one continuous motion, achieving full clamping force without the time-consuming rotational cycles required by screw threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured with cam surfaces and leverage points that automatically generate maximum clamping force as the latch closes. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures that the full clamping force is achieved during the closing motion itself, without requiring additional tightening steps or time.
3Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the effectiveness of motion transfer from accessory to structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single latch mechanism: the easy attachment operation and the secure motion transfer. The latch simultaneously provides user-friendly engagement while creating a rigid mechanical connection that effectively transfers motion, eliminating the trade-off between simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary element that bridges the accessory and structure. It provides a mechanical advantage through its lever arm and pivot point, transforming the simple user input motion into a strong, stable connection that effectively transfers forces and motions between the accessory and the underlying structure.
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 mount provides a simple and secure way to attach accessories to structures, reducing the need for manual strength and dexterity, and effectively transfers motions such as rocking and vibrating to the structure.
Implementation Method 1
the second jaw being resiliently associated with the body such that the second jaw is biased toward the first jaw for closing around the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for releasably clamping to a structure. The mount includes a body with a first jaw and a movable second jaw opposed to the first jaw. The second jaw is biased toward the first jaw and movable to distanced positions to receive the structure. A pivotable latch is connected to the second jaw and movable between closed, open, and locking states. In the locking state of the latch, the second jaw is urged further towards the first jaw such that the jaws are spaced from one another by a locking distance smaller than a clamping distance. A locking mechanism locks the second jaw when the latch is in the locking state. The mount may secure an accessory relative to the structure when clamped.