Plastic Snap-Fit Mounting Bracket for Vibration-Free Device Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for electronic devices in vehicles often require two-piece brackets, which are costly, prone to noise due to vibrations, and are over-engineered, necessitating an alternative interface arrangement that addresses these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a base mounting plate, a device support plate, and a fastening element with a connector having resilient wall portions and engagement members that apply controlled forces to secure the plates, allowing for a secure and robust attachment by flexing and interlocking components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-piece brackets with steel pin are used to mount electronic device, then reliable fixation is achieved, but cost increases and noise is generated due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plastic bracket and metal bracket into a single integrated mounting bracket that directly interfaces with both the electronic device and the vehicle structure. This eliminates the need for separate plastic and metal brackets and the steel pin connector, thereby reducing the number of components and potential noise sources while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the steel pin and alignment screw from the mounting system. By extracting these rigid metallic connectors and replacing them with an integrated bracket design featuring resilient elements, the system eliminates the primary source of vibration-induced noise while preserving mounting reliability.
2Reliability
If two-piece brackets with alignment screw are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (plastic bracket, metal bracket, alignment screw, steel pin) into a single integrated mounting bracket. This consolidation reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate parts while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated design with resilient elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mounting bracket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, ensures alignment, absorbs vibrations, and secures the electronic device. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized roles of separate components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining mounting security.
3Ease of operation
If resilient wall portions are used in connector, then ease of assembly is improved through flexing, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connector by incorporating resilient wall portions that can flex during assembly. This allows the connector to adapt to slight dimensional variations and tolerances, easing the assembly process. The resilient properties compensate for manufacturing tolerances, reducing the stringency of precision requirements while enabling simple snap-fit assembly.
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
The system provides a secure, robust, and noise-free attachment by applying controlled forces through the interaction of the fastening element and receiver, ensuring a tight fit and allowing for angular adjustments of the electronic device on the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The wall of the connector comprises a plurality of resilient wall portions... each engagement member is configured to apply a respective controlling force to a corresponding mating surface of the receiver, which controlling force causes the plurality of the resilient wall portions of the receiver to be displaced
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects, a disclosed mounting system includes a device support plate, a base mounting plate, and at least one fastening element. The base mounting plate includes at least one bracket for coupling to the device support plate. The fastening element for securing the device support plate to the base mounting plate. The device support plate includes at least one connector defined by a wall arranged about a central longitudinal axis. The wall includes a plurality of resilient wall portions. An internal peripheral surface of the wall includes a channel defining a receiver for receiving the fastening element. The fastening element including at least two engagement members that include an external peripheral surface defining a mating surface for contacting a corresponding mating surface of the receiver.