Overhead Component Snap-Lock Mounting with Ground-Level Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for anchoring components to overhead structures, such as ceilings, often require the use of bulky ladders, are not secure, and can be difficult to handle, especially in high rooms, due to complex mechanisms or limited holding forces.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a plug-in coupling with snap latches and a release rod mechanism that allows components to be securely anchored and easily removed from the ground, using a base body and holder that form a plug-in coupling with snap latches and a driver mechanism to unlock the anchoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ladder is used to anchor components to overhead structures, then anchoring can be performed, but the equipment is bulky, occupies space, and is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is permanently mounted to the overhead structure in advance, preparing the anchoring system beforehand. This eliminates the need for ladders during actual component installation, as the release mechanism can be operated from ground level through the operating rod that passes through the base body.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating rod serves as an intermediary tool that transmits force from ground level to the holder assembly. By inserting the operating rod through the base body and engaging it with the holder, users can securely anchor or release components without physically reaching overhead structures.
2Ease of operation
If permanent magnets are used for anchoring, then release can be achieved, but the holding force is limited and release is difficult in high rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic anchoring with a mechanical snap-lock system. The snap locks engage with undercuts on the base body to provide strong holding force, while the release mechanism uses a driver that converts the operating rod's linear motion into rotational motion to disengage the snap locks, enabling easy release from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap locks are spring-loaded, allowing them to flex and engage/disengage smoothly. The spring force provides consistent holding pressure during anchoring, while the mechanical advantage of the driver mechanism amplifies the user's input force to overcome the spring force during release, enabling easy operation from ground level.
3Reliability
If complex lever mechanisms are used in operating rods, then anchoring function is achieved, but handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The operating system is divided into distinct functional segments: the operating rod for linear motion input, the driver for motion conversion, and the snap locks for locking/unlocking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, with the driver acting as an intermediate mechanism that converts rather than complicates the motion transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex lever mechanisms that require overhead manipulation, the patent inverts the approach by having the operating rod pass through the base body from below. The user operates the rod from ground level, and the driver internally converts this linear motion into the rotational motion needed to disengage snap locks, simplifying handling while maintaining reliability.
4Strength
If snap locks are used for secure anchoring, then holding strength is improved, but release mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple snap locks are distributed around the circumference of the holder assembly, and a single driver engages all of them simultaneously. When the operating rod is moved, the driver rotates and disengages all snap locks at once, providing strong holding strength during anchoring while keeping the release mechanism simple and unified.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver serves multiple functions: it converts linear motion to rotational motion, engages and disengages multiple snap locks simultaneously, and provides mechanical advantage to overcome spring forces. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple snap locks, as a single component handles all release operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Device (1) for detachably anchoring a component (2) to an overhead structure (3), comprising: a base body (4) for mounting on the overhead structure (3), a holder (5) for the component (2), and an operating rod (6) which can be detachably connected to the holder (5), wherein the base body (4) and the holder (5) form the two parts of a plug-in coupling (15), wherein a snap lock (16) is movably mounted transversely to the plugging direction (R) on one of the parts and the other part has a corresponding undercut (17) for locking the snap lock (16), and wherein a release rod (12) is slidably mounted on the operating rod (6) along a track (13) parallel to the operating rod (6) and a driver (22) projecting into the track (13) engages the snap lock (16), which is designed to release the snap lock (16).