Plaque Support Fastening for Front-Face Granite Mounting
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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 face and can be cumbersome, especially when trying to attach a bronze memorial plate to a granite surface, 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 engages the solid surface upon insertion, combined with an installation fastener that threads into the plaque support, allowing secure attachment without needing access to the rear face of the solid surface.
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 granite surface, but access to the rear face is required and the attachment process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a plaque support embedded in the granite face, installation fasteners that engage the support, and the plaque itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for rear face access while simplifying the overall attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plaque support is pre-installed and embedded in the granite face before the plaque attachment process. This preliminary action creates ready-to-eng age receptacles for the installation fasteners, eliminating the need for rear face access and reducing the complexity of the attachment operation to a simple front-face insertion and engagement process.
2Reliability
If threaded studs extend through the granite shutter, then the plaque can be secured, but the method is cumbersome and requires rear face access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending fasteners through the granite from front to back (requiring rear access), the invention inverts the approach by embedding the plaque support within the granite face and having the fasteners engage from the front. This inversion maintains secure attachment while eliminating the need for rear face access and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plaque support acts as an intermediary element embedded in the granite face, providing a interface between the granite substrate and the plaque. This mediator contains the engagement mechanism (recesses and tabs) that securely attaches the plaque without requiring fasteners to pass through the entire granite thickness or access to the rear face.
3Ease of operation
If a plaque support with tabs is used, then rear face access is not needed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plaque support merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural embedding in the granite face, contains engagement recesses for the fasteners, and provides mounting surfaces for the plaque. This consolidation reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall attachment system despite the increased functionality of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The plaque support serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an anchor embedded in the granite, provides engagement receptacles for the installation fasteners, and offers mounting surfaces for the plaque. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the increased complexity of each individual element.
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 a simple and reliable attachment of plaques to solid surfaces, including granite, without requiring access to the rear face, providing a secure and efficient method for memorializing objects like bronze memorials.
Implementation Method 1
The installation fastener may comprise a plurality of threads, such that, when it is inserted into the plaque support, at least one inner tab member engages at least one thread of the plurality of threads.
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.