Multi-Level Mount Connector for Adjustable Mounting Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting systems for solar panels and other objects require multiple distinct components to accommodate different sizes and heights, making it cumbersome for contractors to carry and stock various sized components, and complicating the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level mounting system featuring a base member and an object mount connector with correspondingly shaped convexities and concavities, allowing for adjustable engagement orientations to achieve multiple heights using a single object mount connector, eliminating the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct sized components are manufactured to accommodate different sizes and heights, then the system can accommodate various mounting requirements, but it becomes cumbersome and inconvenient for contractors to carry and stock multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different sized object mount connectors through a single standardized connection mechanism. The base member includes a mounting surface with a opening that receives a mounting component, and this mounting component can interface with various sized connectors, making one base member universal for different mounting heights and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting component is designed to receive and accommodate different sized object mount connectors within its structure. The mounting component includes a body with an interior cavity that can hold various sized connectors, allowing smaller connectors to be nested within the same mounting component structure, reducing the need for multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct sized components are used for different mounting heights, then various system configurations can be achieved, but the installation process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The base member and mounting component are designed as universal elements that work with all object mount connectors in the system. The standardized interface and reception mechanism allow any mounting component to interface with any object mount connector, simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need to match specific component sizes during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting component is designed with adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow it to adapt to different mounting height requirements dynamically during installation. The mounting component can be positioned and secured at various heights by selecting different object mount connectors, providing flexibility without requiring multiple pre-configured component assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If a single object mount connector is designed to form multiple heights, then the need for multiple components is reduced, but the design complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object mount connector is segmented into multiple attachment sections, each capable of engaging with the mounting component at different positions to achieve various mounting heights. Each attachment section can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing the connector to form multiple heights while maintaining a relatively simple individual section design.
Solution Approach 2:
The object mount connector incorporates features that extend in multiple dimensions, including vertical attachment sections for different heights and lateral engagement features. By utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently, the connector achieves multiple height configurations without requiring proportionally increased complexity in any single dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A tiered mounting system includes a base plate including a mounting guide rail having a plurality of mounting grooves that extend along opposing sides of the guide rail. The system also includes an object mount connector having a plurality of mounting ridges. The object mount connector is configured to: slidingly engage the mounting guide rail via insertion of one or more of the plurality of mounting ridges within a corresponding one or more of the plurality of mounting grooves, and lock in place along the mounting guide rail via a bolt placed through the object mount connector and secured tightly to an inner track of the mounting guide rail.