Magnetic Ceiling Mount With Safety Latch for Quick Projector Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting video projectors to ceilings face challenges such as labor-intensive and costly installation, safety concerns due to pipe cutting, and difficulty in removing or repositioning projectors for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic release mechanism with a pivoting arm and disengagement prongs allows for easy attachment and detachment of video projectors from ceiling mounts, using high-energy magnets and a floating plate for alignment and secure mounting, enabling quick disconnect and adjustment without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pipe cutting and threading is used for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pipe cutting and threading operations with a magnetic attachment system. The ceiling-mounted unit can be attached to various surfaces (including pipes) without cutting or threading, and the device-mounted unit attaches via magnetic force, achieving secure mounting rapidly without specialized tools or labor-intensive processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental attachment parameter from mechanical interlocking (threads, cuts) to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows for rapid installation by simply bringing magnetic components together, eliminating the need for cutting, threading, or complex mechanical assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pipe cutting is performed for mounting, then attachment is achieved, but pipe strength is weakened creating safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidpipe integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pipe cutting with magnetic attachment. The ceiling-mounted unit can be mounted on or near pipes using adhesives or other non-invasive methods, and the actual attachment to the device occurs through magnetic force between the two units. This eliminates the need to cut or thread the pipe, preserving its structural integrity and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates efficient, tool-free installation and maintenance of video projectors, accommodating irregular surfaces and ensuring secure mounting while allowing for easy repositioning and alignment of the projected image.

Implementation Method 1

one of said units including at least one magnet, said first and second units being configured to permit engagement of said magnet with said plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7758001B2Mount with magnetic attachment and automatic safety latching

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 GAMBER JOHNSON LLC

AI summary

A system and method of releasably mounting a device, usually to a ceiling, is disclosed. The system has a ceiling mounted unit (200) and a device mounted unit (250), releasably joined preferably by an magnetic coupling (202) which engages a floating plate (252) allowing for positive coupling even if the units are misaligned. A safety latch (256) with a locking/latching claw (260) and ejection/disengagement prong (266) provide positive locking and a method of separating the units despite strong adhesion forces.