Plastic Snap Mounting Bracket for Quiet Vehicle Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for electronic devices in vehicles often require two-piece brackets, including a plastic bracket and a metal bracket, which are costly, prone to noise due to vibrations, and are over-engineered, necessitating an alternative interface arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a base mounting plate, a device support plate, and fastening elements with resilient connectors that engage through controlled forces, allowing for secure and robust attachment by snap-fitting and flexing, providing a three-way interaction between the plates and fastening elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-piece brackets (plastic and metal) are used to mount electronic devices, then the mounting strength and reliability are improved, but the cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plastic bracket and metal bracket into a single integrated mounting bracket. The bracket features a resilient body with engagement features that directly interface with both the electronic device and the mounting surface, eliminating the need for separate plastic and metal brackets while maintaining mounting strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, absorbs vibrations through its resilient material, secures the electronic device through engagement features, and interfaces with mounting surfaces. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized plastic and metal brackets with a single versatile component.
2Reliability
If two-piece brackets with steel pins are used, then the mounting reliability is improved, but noise emissions increase due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the mounting bracket from rigid metal to resilient material. This parameter change allows the bracket to absorb vibrations and dampen noise while maintaining mounting reliability, as the resilient body can deform to accommodate vibrations rather than transmitting them as noise.
3Manufacturing precision
If two-piece brackets with alignment screws are used, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates pre-formed engagement features and alignment structures during the manufacturing process. The resilient body is molded with integrated engagement features that automatically align with corresponding features on the electronic device and mounting surface, eliminating the need for separate alignment screws and simplifying 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 achieves a secure, noise-free, and cost-effective attachment of electronic devices to vehicles by using resilient connectors that apply controlled forces for tightening and interlocking, allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced noise emissions.
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, such that the wall of the connector engages with a corresponding bracket
Data Source
Figure 1a
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Figure 2b
AI summary
The specification provides a mounting system (200) configured to mount an electronic device or electronic module to a vehicle, the mounting system (200) comprising: a base mounting plate (201); a device support plate (205) for supporting the electronic device; and at least one fastening element (260) for securing the device support plate (205) to the base mounting plate (201). The base mounting plate (201) comprising at least one bracket for coupling to the device support plate (206) and the device support plate (205) comprising at least one connector (206), each connector defined by a wall (241) arranged about a central longitudinal axis (X), the wall (241) of the connector comprises a plurality of resilient wall portions (241-1, 241-2, 241-n), an internal peripheral surface (255) of the wall (241) comprising a channel extending axially therethrough defining a receiver (256) for receiving a fastening element (260). Each fastening element (260) comprising at least two engagement members (264, 265), each comprising an external peripheral surface (264', 265') defining a mating surface for contacting a corresponding mating surface of the receiver. 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, such that the wall of the connector engages with a corresponding bracket of the base mounting plate, so as to fasten the base mounting plate to the device support plate.