Keyhole Mounting Latch for Secure Tool-Release Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting equipment enclosures to surfaces, such as walls, often require a single person to hold the enclosure in place while screwing it in, which can be challenging for larger devices and do not adequately secure the equipment against unauthorized removal, especially in leased or subscription-based installations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a recessed back area with a key-shaped latch and a bracket with multiple dimensions, including a flange for secure attachment, allowing the enclosure to be easily installed without special tools but requiring a specific tool for removal, and providing a positive spring action to prevent tilting and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the enclosure is directly screwed into the wall, then the mounting is secure, but it requires a single person to hold the enclosure in place while screwing it in, which is difficult for larger devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the enclosure and the wall. The bracket includes a post with a head that receives the enclosure, and a base that attaches to the wall. This intermediary allows the enclosure to be mounted securely without requiring a person to hold it in place during screwing, as the bracket provides structural support and positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the enclosure is mounted using simple screws that can be easily removed, then the mounting process is simple, but anyone with a simple screwdriver can remove the installed device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the keyhole-shaped opening of the latch and the corresponding post geometry. The opening has a narrow portion that only accommodates the post in a specific orientation and position. This asymmetric configuration prevents unauthorized removal because the post cannot be easily extracted or repositioned without the proper tool and sequence of operations, thereby providing anti-theft security while maintaining ease of mounting for authorized personnel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure is hung on screws with large heads extending through circular holes, then the enclosure can be attached in horizontal or vertical orientation, but the simple approach depends on gravity to hold the enclosure in place and can be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic latch mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The latch includes a movable element that can be actuated to engage or disengage from the post. This dynamic feature allows the enclosure to be securely held in any orientation (horizontal, vertical, or upside down) without relying on gravity, while still enabling easy removal by authorized personnel who can actuate the latch mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If a latch with keyhole-shaped opening is used, then the enclosure can be securely mounted without special tools, but the narrow portion of the shaft must align with the opening for the enclosure to be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The keyhole-shaped opening and post geometry are configured so that when the enclosure is mounted, the narrow portion of the post automatically aligns with the opening and the latch engages securely without requiring special tools or complex alignment procedures. The asymmetry of the keyhole shape provides the locking function inherently, simplifying the overall device while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for securely mounting an enclosure are described. In various embodiments a device enclosure includes a recessed back area in which a mounting latch including a generally key-shaped opening is positioned. A mounting bracket including a post having multiple dimensions is secured to a wall. The enclosure and latch is placed over the post. The enclosure is moved so that the post slides in the key-shaped opening and snaps into the first portion of the key-shaped opening. To release the latch a release tool is inserted into a slot or other opening and rotated so that the tip or tips of the release tool can pass through one or more openings in a rear wall of the enclosure and compress a portion of the latch allowing the enclosure and latch to slide on the shaft until the enclosure reaches a position where it can be removed.