Lever-Actuated Winged Mount Assembly for Tool-Free Secure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for devices such as speakers, lights, and cameras often require tools, damage surfaces, and are prone to incorrect installation due to uncertain torque and orientation issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained mount assembly with an alignment bracket, shaft, wings, and biasing elements that allows tool-free installation by pivoting a lever to rotate the shaft, engaging grooves, and deploying wings for secure attachment without damaging surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners and mounting hardware are used, then devices can be securely mounted to surfaces, but the installation requires tools, damages mounting surfaces, and creates unsightly appearances
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses movable wings that can transition between retracted and deployed positions. During installation, the wings are retracted to allow easy insertion without tools. Once positioned, the wings are deployed and locked into place to provide secure mounting, thus achieving both ease of operation and reliability through dynamic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount assembly is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools or additional fasteners. The lever-operated mechanism allows the installer to simply pivot the lever to deploy the wings, which then self-lock into the mounting surface, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If wing components are tightened to secure the device, then the mounting becomes firm, but the uncertain torque can damage the mount assemblies or mounting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system performs the securing action in advance through the lever mechanism that deploys the wings before final positioning. The wings are pre-positioned and then locked into place by the lever action, which distributes the securing force evenly without requiring the installer to judge the correct torque, thus achieving firm mounting without risk of damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional threaded fastener mechanism (which requires torque control) with a lever-operated wing deployment mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for torque-sensitive threads while achieving equivalent or superior securing strength through the wing's geometric locking action.
3Reliability
If installers tighten wing components, then the device is secured, but incorrect tightening direction can damage the mount assemblies or mounting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is designed with asymmetric geometry that allows movement in only one direction for proper deployment. The lever's shape and the wing slots are configured so that the lever can be inserted and pivoted in the correct direction, but cannot be inserted or moved incorrectly, thus eliminating the risk of wrong tightening direction while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the installer to apply force in a specific direction on a fastener (as in traditional systems), the lever is designed to be inserted and pivoted in the opposite sense - the lever arm pivots within slots rather than a fastener being turned. This inversion of the mechanical action eliminates directional confusion while achieving secure attachment.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment and leveling are performed during mounting, then functional and aesthetic requirements are met, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment bracket and guides are pre-configured on the mount assembly before installation. These alignment features are built-in and do not require adjustment during installation, thus achieving precise alignment and leveling while keeping the installation process simple and straightforward.
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
Enables tool-free, secure, and efficient installation of devices in various orientations without damaging surfaces, reducing installation time and preventing improper attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotal biasing element wrapped around the shaft... a translational biasing element wrapped around the shaft between the right and left wings and the alignment tab
Data Source
AI summary
A mount assembly for mounting a device in an opening of a mounting structure having a rear surface, the mount assembly comprising a shaft and right and left wings. The shaft is rotatably connected to the device and includes an outer surface and a number of grooves each extending radially around a portion of the outer surface. The wings are pivotably linked to and extend laterally from the shaft. A first tab of one of the wings is configured be unengaged from the grooves when the shaft is rotated from a first position to a second position so that the first and second wings are free to move longitudinally relative to the shaft. The shaft is configured to engage the first tab via one of the grooves when the shaft is rotated back to the first position to urge the first and second wings against the rear surface.