Magnetic Tapered Mount for Threaded and Threadless Posts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting systems for objects like cameras and microphones are cumbersome, have poor mechanical quality, and often require complete disassembly for repositioning, leading to time-consuming adjustments and potential mechanical failures.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system that accommodates both threaded and threadless posts using a cavity with threaded and tapered portions, combined with magnetism, allowing for easy repositioning and secure engagement of threadless posts without the need for complete disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional mounting system with threaded sockets is used, then threaded posts can be securely mounted, but repositioning requires complete disassembly which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning easeVSAvoidtime for repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional zones within the cavity: a threaded portion for threaded posts and a smooth tapered portion for threadless posts. This segmentation allows different mounting modes to coexist in a single unified structure, enabling quick repositioning of threadless posts while maintaining secure threaded mounting when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity structure is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both threaded and threadless posts. By incorporating both threaded and smooth tapered surfaces within the same cavity, the mounting system can universally accept different post types without requiring separate mounting mechanisms, thereby improving operational ease and reducing repositioning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible base with pivot point is used, then object repositioning is enabled, but mechanical quality deteriorates and mechanical failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flexible base with pivot point mechanism with a rigid cavity structure. Instead of relying on flexible mechanical joints that compromise reliability, the system uses a solid cavity with integrated threaded and tapered surfaces that provide both repositioning capability and mechanical strength, eliminating the risk of mechanical failure associated with flexible bases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If threads are removed to accommodate threadless posts, then threadless post passage is enabled, but threaded post engagement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreadless post compatibilityVSAvoidthreaded engagement strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity exhibits local quality by having different surface characteristics in different zones: the threaded portion maintains full threading for strong threaded post engagement, while the tapered portion is smooth for threadless post accommodation. This localized differentiation allows the structure to optimize for each post type in its respective zone without compromising the other function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity is segmented into distinct functional regions: a threaded portion for secure threaded post mounting and a smooth tapered portion for friction-based threadless post engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other, maintaining both threaded engagement strength and threadless post compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a locking taper is used for threadless posts, then rotational torque is controlled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreadless post securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking taper feature is merged with the cavity structure itself rather than being a separate component. The tapered surface is directly formed as part of the cavity during manufacturing, combining the post retention function with the mounting structure. This integration maintains reliability by providing controlled rotational torque while avoiding the added complexity of separate taper components or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 quick and efficient repositioning of objects, reduces mechanical stress, and eliminates the need for complex threading, thereby saving time and preventing costly repairs.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting system uses magnetism and a taper of the cavity to facilitate securing the threadless post in the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The magnet and/or the ferromagnetic element is configured to cause the threadless post to slide over the threads of the first portion and to become magnetically engaged in the second portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

The first portion has threads configured to frictionally engage a threaded post

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

The second portion includes a taper that is configured to frictionally engage a threadless post

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3642491B1Mounting system capable of receiving threaded and threadless posts
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3642491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642491B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3642491B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Techniques are described herein that are capable of enabling a mounting system (200) to receive threaded and threadless posts. The mounting system (200) may have a cavity (220) (a.k.a. void) that is configured to receive such posts. An interior surface (230) of the cavity may include threads to allow corresponding threads of a threaded post to be twisted (e.g., screwed) into the threads of the cavity (220). The threads of the cavity (220) may be configured to allow a threadless post to pass through the cavity (220) without being encumbered by the threads. The mounting system (200) uses magnetism (208) and a taper of the cavity (220) to facilitate magnetically and frictionally engaging the threadless post in the cavity (220).