Universal Panel Mounting Device for Varying Thicknesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening systems for attaching electrical connectors to panels require multiple types of fasteners based on panel thickness, making them cumbersome and inefficient for use with panels of varying thicknesses without threaded fastening features.
Innovation Solution
A panel mounting device that uses a button-like mechanism with a spring-loaded collar and cantilever beams with snap-lock ridges, allowing secure attachment and detachment to flat panels of varying thicknesses without the need for tools or threaded fasteners, by engaging and disengaging through a panel aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional threaded fasteners or clip-style fasteners are used to secure electrical connectors to panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but multiple different fasteners are required depending on panel thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed as a universal fastener that can accommodate panels of varying thicknesses (0.040 to 0.100 inches) through a single device design. The spring-loaded collar with adjustable positioning and cantilever beams with snap-lock ridges enable the same fastener to securely attach to different panel thicknesses without requiring multiple specialized fasteners.
2Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to secure electrical connectors to panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but the fastening process becomes cumbersome and requires threaded apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical fastening system with a spring-loaded cantilever beam system. The cantilever beams with snap-lock ridges engage with the panel aperture and lock into place through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for threads while maintaining secure attachment. This substitution simplifies the installation process by removing the need for threaded apertures and complex threading operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clip-style fasteners are used to secure electrical connectors to panels, then attachment is achieved, but the fasteners require multiple components and cannot accommodate varying panel thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates dynamic elements including a spring-loaded collar that can adjust its position and the cantilever beams that flex during installation. The spring mechanism allows the collar to accommodate varying panel thicknesses by compressing or extending, while the cantilever beams dynamically engage and lock during the attachment process. This dynamic design enables a single fastener to adapt to different panel thicknesses without requiring multiple rigid components.
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 secure attachment and detachment of electrical connectors or other objects to panels with thicknesses ranging from 0.040 to 0.10 inches, using a single device design that accommodates different panel thicknesses without requiring multiple fasteners, and can be easily disengaged without tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded collar and cantilever beams with snap-lock ridges
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for attaching a structure to a relatively flat panel includes a housing containing an outer button which contains an inner button. Displacement of the inner button into the outer button causes a moveable attachment portion to partially collapse toward a centerline which permits the moveable attachment portion to pass through an engagement aperture in the panel. Movement of the outer button into the housing permits the moveable engagement portion to extend past a back surface of the panel to engage the back surface and hold the attaching structure to the panel via forces exerted by biasing members once the buttons are released.