Tool-Free Mounting Arrangement With Adjustable Fixing Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arrangements for devices in structures, such as recessed installations in ceilings or walls, can be difficult to install and dismount without tools and often require complex mechanisms, which may increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement comprising an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an adjustment ring with foldable fixing wings, allowing for easy insertion and adjustment without tools, and enabling secure holding and easy removal of devices by relative rotary motion of the sleeves and adjustment of the fixing wings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements with fixing legs and screws are used, then secure device retention is achieved, but tool-free operation and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fixing legs movable rather than fixed. The fixing legs can pivot between a retracted position during insertion and an extended position for securing the device. This dynamic transformation allows the mounting arrangement to adapt its configuration during installation, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure retention when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the fixing legs in a retracted position before insertion. This preliminary state allows easy insertion into the mounting opening without tools. Once inserted, the fixing legs are then deployed to their extended position to provide secure device retention, thus preparing the system in advance for the installation sequence
2Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms are used to achieve tool-free mounting, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the mounting arrangement to install itself without external tools. The fixing legs automatically pivot into position during insertion and can be deployed by simple manual manipulation. This self-service capability achieves tool-free mounting while avoiding complex automated mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting arrangement into distinct functional components: the body, the fixing legs, and the mounting opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the body provides structural support, the fixing legs provide adjustable retention, and the mounting opening enables insertion. This modular approach simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving tool-free operation
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting arrangements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different structure thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fixing legs pivotable rather than fixed. This allows the mounting arrangement to adapt to different structure thicknesses by adjusting the angle and extension of the fixing legs. The simple pivotal mechanism maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing versatility for various installation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the fixing legs to change their spatial configuration through pivoting. This parameter change in the leg position and angle enables the same mounting arrangement to accommodate different structure thicknesses, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed designs for different thickness specifications
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 easy, tool-free mounting and dismounting of devices in structures, reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational simplicity while ensuring secure device retention.
Implementation Method 1
said inner sleeve being arranged in threaded engagement with said adjustment ring or with said outer sleeve
Implementation Method 2
said fixing wing having an abutment portion adapted to abut an inner surface of said structure around said opening
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement for mounting a device in an opening is disclosed. The arrangement comprises an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve arranged inside the outer sleeve, and an adjustment ring arranged inside the outer sleeve. A flange is arranged at a first end of the outer sleeve, arranged to receive said device. The flange is adapted to abut an outer surface of the structure. The inner sleeve is arranged in threaded engagement with the adjustment ring or with the outer sleeve. The adjustment ring comprises a fixing wing extending outwardly through a longitudinally extending aperture in the outer sleeve, the fixing wing having an abutment portion adapted to abut an inner surface of the structure. By relative rotary motion of the inner and outer sleeve, the adjustment ring is movable along a longitudinal direction of the arrangement for adjustment to a thickness of the structure.