Power Distribution Unit Mounting via Biasing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in securely mounting a power distribution unit within a mounting substrate where direct access is unavailable behind the substrate, requiring a 'blind hole' installation without specialized tools and ensuring aesthetic appeal, versatility, and ease of installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a trim plate and a coupling construct with biasing structures and resilient arms that allow the power distribution unit to be altitudinally moved between secure and accessible positions, using a biasing force to lock the unit in place within the substrate, enabling secure and tool-free installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power distribution unit is installed in a blind hole without access to the reverse surface, then the installation can be performed from the obverse surface only, but secure mounting becomes difficult without specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs resilient arms that can dynamically change their state between engaged and disengaged positions. These arms are biased by spring structures to automatically engage with the substrate when the power distribution unit is inserted, providing secure mounting without requiring tools or access to the reverse surface. The dynamic nature of the arms allows them to flex during installation and then lock into place, ensuring reliable mounting from the obverse surface only.
2Ease of manufacture
If resilient arms are used to secure the power distribution unit, then tool-free installation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system merges multiple functions into the coupling construct between the trim plate and power distribution unit. The same coupling mechanism that holds the power distribution unit in place also provides the resilient arms with biasing structures for automatic engagement. By combining the mounting function, retention function, and biasing function into a single integrated coupling construct, the system achieves tool-free installation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the power distribution unit is securely locked in place, then mounting stability is improved, but selective removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms provide dynamic retention that adapts to installation and removal operations. During normal operation, the biasing structures keep the arms engaged with the substrate, providing stable mounting. During removal, when force is applied to the power distribution unit, the resilient arms can flex and disengage from the substrate, allowing easy removal. The dynamic nature of the arms allows them to provide strong retention during use but yield when removal is attempted, resolving the contradiction between stability and removability.
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
This solution provides a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile method for installing and removing power distribution units in various settings without specialized tools, ensuring rapid and simplified installation and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing structure biasing the power distribution unit with a biasing force in an altitudinal direction from the second position toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
each arm is resiliently biased in a lateral direction from a laterally inward position, wherein each arm is in close juxtaposition with the power distribution unit, toward a laterally outward position, wherein each arm is spaced laterally away from the power distribution unit
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system and method secure a power distribution unit within a substrate at sites where access behind the substrate is unavailable to a worker effecting the installation. The power distribution unit is coupled to a trim plate for displacement relative to the trim plate when the trim plate is engaged with an obverse surface of the substrate. Displacement of the power distribution unit relative to the trim plate from a first position into a second position beyond the obverse surface, and then release of the power distribution unit for return toward the first position, in response to a biasing force, enables a retention member to lock the power distribution unit in place within the substrate. Selective removal of the power distribution unit from the substrate is accomplished by lifting the trim plate from the obverse surface of the substrate to effect release of the retention member from the power distribution unit, thereby releasing the power distribution unit from the substrate.