Magnetic Bracket with Angled Legs for Ferromagnetic Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for securing communication and electrical equipment to ferromagnetic structures, such as ladders and steel surfaces, pose safety hazards, obstruct access, cause structural damage, and complicate maintenance due to the need for welding or abrasive removal of coatings, which can lead to corrosion issues and exposure to radio-frequency waves.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system with angled legs and magnetic pads that securely attach to ferromagnetic surfaces without penetration or welding, providing increased surficial contact and stability, and includes a box tube member for attaching hardware like antennas, allowing for secure and removable installation without damaging the structure's coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional fastening methods (welding, banding) are used to secure equipment to steel structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but structural damage, coating removal, and corrosion risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcoating damage and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (welding, bolting, banding) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic bracket uses strong magnets to securely attach communication equipment to steel structures without mechanical penetration or welding, thereby preserving the protective coating and eliminating corrosion risks associated with traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic bracket serves as an intermediary between the steel structure and the communication equipment. It provides secure attachment through magnetic force while maintaining a non-invasive interface with the steel surface, avoiding direct mechanical contact that would damage the coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If equipment is fastened directly to access structures (ladders, hand rails), then immediate equipment securing is achieved, but worker safety and access fluidity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidworker access and movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic bracket system separates the attachment function from the access structure. The bracket can be independently positioned and attached to specific locations on steel surfaces without modifying the access structures themselves, allowing worker movement to remain unobstructed while providing secure equipment mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If welding or abrasive removal is used for equipment installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but maintenance complexity and structural integrity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system replaces welding and abrasive removal processes, eliminating the need for complex maintenance procedures such as coating repair and structural reinforcement. The non-invasive magnetic attachment preserves the steel surface and protective coatings, significantly reducing maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If coaxial cables are installed close to worker access areas, then equipment functionality is maintained, but radio-frequency wave exposure to workers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment functionalityVSAvoidradio-frequency wave exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic bracket system enables equipment to be mounted on vertical steel surfaces at optimized positions and orientations, allowing cables to be routed away from worker access areas. This spatial reconfiguration maintains equipment functionality while reducing radio-frequency wave exposure to workers in access areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system ensures safe and secure attachment of equipment, prevents access obstructions, reduces maintenance complexity, and maintains the structural integrity of the surface by avoiding welding and coating damage, while minimizing exposure to radio-frequency waves and environmental stressors.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic pads that securely attach to ferromagnetic surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10808883B2Bracket for magnetically mounting hardware to a structure

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 STECHMANN ERIC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a bracket mounting system for magnetically securing hardware to a surface of a structure. The bracket mounting system includes at least one outwardly extending leg per side. Magnetic pads are secured to the distal ends of the legs and conform to the topography of the structure to maximize surficial contact.