Pivotal Handrail Bracket for Electrical Panel Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mounting electrical panels on handrails lack flexibility and stability, particularly in worksite environments where power distribution is needed, as they do not provide secure and adjustable attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system comprising an upper handrail bracket with a U-shaped portion and pivotal connection, and a lower handrail bracket with a vertically adjustable attachment, allowing for secure and adjustable mounting of electrical panels on handrails, utilizing a pin connection and sliding slot for easy installation and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed rigid bracket is used to mount the electrical panel, then the mounting structure is simple, but it lacks adaptability to different handrail positions and installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different handrail positionsVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates a pivotal connection that allows the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion, enabling the bracket to adapt to different handrail positions and orientations. This dynamic element provides versatility without requiring multiple fixed bracket designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is divided into distinct portions (first portion with U-shaped section, second portion with attachment means) connected by a pivotal joint. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall adaptability through the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a non-adjustable bracket is used, then the installation process is quick, but the bracket cannot accommodate variations in handrail positioning and panel alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for panel alignmentVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotal connection enables quick adjustment of the bracket angle and position during installation, allowing workers to accommodate handrail variations without complex adjustment mechanisms. The dynamic pivot point provides rapid adaptability while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a simple attachment method is used, then the bracket is easy to install, but it provides insufficient stability and security for the electrical panel on dynamic worksite conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of panel attachmentVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotal connection provides both security and adaptability by allowing the bracket to pivot and settle into a stable position that accommodates handrail variations. This dynamic locking mechanism ensures reliable attachment without requiring complex fastening systems, as the pivot point naturally stabilizes the panel in the correct position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8413938B2Hand rail mounting bracket for an electrical panel
Publication Date: 2013.04.09 WHELAN BRENDAN
  • US8413938B2 patent drawing
  • US8413938B2 patent drawing
  • US8413938B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bracket for mounting an electrical panel to a handrail has a first portion having a U-shaped portion for receiving the handrail, a second portion having an attachment for attaching to the electrical panel, and a pivotal connection connecting the first portion to the second portion.