Plaque Support Anchor for Front-Side Mounting on Stone Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing plaques to solid surfaces, such as granite shutter panels, often require access to the rear surface and can be cumbersome, especially when trying to attach a bronze memorial plate to a granite mausoleum or columbarium, as they rely on threaded studs and nuts which may not provide a secure and straightforward attachment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plaque support with a flange portion and radially extending tabs that is inserted into an opening in the solid surface, combined with an installation fastener that engages the plaque support's inner tabs, allowing secure attachment of the plaque without needing access to the rear surface, using a steel or high carbon spring steel plaque support and a threaded fastener system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded studs and nuts are used to secure the plaque, then the plaque can be attached to the solid surface, but access to the rear surface is required and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a plaque support inserted into the solid surface, and a plaque with fasteners that engage the support. This segmentation allows the support to be permanently installed in the solid surface while the plaque can be independently attached or removed, simplifying the overall attachment process and eliminating the need for complex rear-surface operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plaque support acts as an intermediary element between the solid surface and the plaque. It provides engagement surfaces (outer tab members for the solid surface, inner tab members for the fasteners) that mediate the connection, eliminating the need to directly attach the plaque to the solid surface and removing the requirement for rear-surface access.
2Reliability
If threaded studs extend through the granite shutter, then the plaque can be secured, but washers and nuts are required adding to the complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The plaque support combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides anchoring in the solid surface via outer tab members, supports the plaque via the passageway, and engages the fasteners via inner tab members. This merging eliminates the need for separate washers and nuts, reducing the component count while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated engagement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If access to the rear surface is required for attachment, then threaded studs can be inserted, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plaque support is pre-installed into the solid surface before the plaque attachment process. This preliminary action creates ready-to-use engagement points (the inner tab members extending into the passageway) that allow the plaque to be quickly attached by simply inserting and threading the fasteners, eliminating the need for time-consuming rear-surface operations during the actual plaque installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of affixing a plaque to a solid surface is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one opening in a face of the solid surface and inserting a plaque support into the at least one opening. The plaque support includes a body defining a passageway therethrough and having a first end and a second end. The first end has a flange portion. Further, at least one outer tab member extends radially outward toward the first end and at least one inner tab member extends radially inward toward the second end. The outer tab member engages the solid surface upon insertion of the plaque support into the at least one opening. The method and system further include providing the plaque with at least one installation fastener. The at least one installation fastener is inserted into the passageway of the plaque support, such that the at least one inner tab member engages the at least one installation fastener.