Panel Mount Dogleg Fixation With Friction-Controlled Tab Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dogleg fixation mechanisms in devices mounted to planar panels face issues with binding during installation and difficulty in proper uninstallation due to lack of consistent friction, leading to loose and wiggly dogleg tabs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a durable friction-inducing member, such as an elastomeric gasket, which is fixedly attached to the device housing and friction-fit to the fastener, to provide a consistent friction force greater than or equal to the weight of the dogleg tab, thereby inhibiting free swinging of the dogleg tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dogleg fixation mechanism is used without a friction-inducing member, then the device structure is simpler, but the dogleg tab becomes loose and wiggly during installation and uninstallation
Solution Approach 1:
A friction-inducing member (such as a rubber ring or elastomeric gasket) is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastener and the dogleg tab. This mediator provides consistent friction force to prevent the dogleg tab from swinging freely, while still allowing controlled movement during installation and uninstallation when sufficient force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the fixation mechanism are modified by changing the physical properties of the contact surface. The friction-inducing member alters the coefficient of friction between the fastener and dogleg tab, providing sufficient friction to prevent loosening while allowing movement when needed. The friction force is designed to be greater than or equal to the weight of the dogleg tab.
2Reliability
If a friction-inducing member is added to prevent dogleg tab movement, then the stability of the dogleg tab is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-inducing member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component (such as a rubber ring or elastomeric gasket) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This simple component solves the complexity problem by providing a low-cost, easy-to-implement solution that adds minimal structural complexity while effectively preventing dogleg tab movement.
3Ease of operation
If a friction-inducing member is used to inhibit dogleg tab swinging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-inducing member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured using standard processes for rubber or elastomeric materials. The simple geometry (such as a rubber ring or gasket) allows for easy fabrication and assembly, minimizing the impact on manufacturing complexity while providing the necessary friction force to improve ease of operation.
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
The friction-inducing member effectively prevents the dogleg tab from freely swinging into and out of engagement and retracted positions, enhancing the ease of installation, uninstallation, and retrofitting of devices by maintaining consistent friction over multiple cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a friction inducing member fixedly attached to the housing adjacent the housing aperture and friction-fit to the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to be mounted to a planar mounting panel, including, for example, a wall or ceiling of a home or other building. The device includes a housing, a fastener, a dogleg tab and a friction inducing member. The housing is configured to be received in an aperture in the mounting panel and includes a housing aperture. The fastener is disposed in the housing aperture. The dogleg tab is operatively coupled to one end of the fastener. The dogleg tab is configured to be disposed in a retracted position and to be disposed in an engagement position, in which engagement position the dogleg tab is disposed to engage an inside surface of the mounting panel. The friction inducing member is fixedly attached to the housing adjacent the housing aperture and friction-fit to the fastener.