Latch-Clamped Accessory Mount for Secure Quick Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for securing accessories to structures often require complex mechanisms like screws for tightening, which can be difficult to use and time-consuming, 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 onto a structure using a latch mechanism, allowing for quick and secure attachment and featuring a locking mechanism that enhances grip and transfers motion efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw mechanisms are used for tightening, then reliable clamping is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw mechanism with a latch mechanism that operates on a different mechanical principle. The latch pivots between locked and unlocked positions, engaging with the second jaw to maintain clamping force without requiring rotational threading. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from rotational motion (screws) to pivotal motion (latch). The latch mechanism transitions between discrete states (locked/unlocked) rather than requiring continuous rotational adjustment. This parameter change makes the mounting process quicker and easier while achieving the same clamping reliability.
2Reliability
If screw mechanisms are used for tightening, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex multi-component screw mechanism (threads, nuts, washers) with a simpler latch mechanism consisting of a pivoting element that engages directly with the jaw. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining secure attachment capability.
3Ease of operation
If resilient association is used for jaw closure, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient association between the second jaw and the body enables the jaw to automatically return to the closed position after being opened for mounting. This self-returning feature simplifies operation and reduces the need for precise manual positioning, as the resilient force naturally guides the jaw back to its proper clamping position.
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, secure, and efficient way to attach accessories to structures, enabling easy installation and effective transfer of motion such as rocking or vibrating, while minimizing user effort and maximizing structural connection.
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
Implementation Method 2
a latch pivotably connected with respect to the second jaw and movable between: (i) a closed state in which the latch covers at least a part of the second jaw in the normally closed position thereof to prevent movement of the second jaw away from the first jaw
Implementation Method 3
a locking mechanism configured to lock the second jaw in the locked position when the latch is pivoted to the locking state
Data Source
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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.