Non-Penetrating Post Mount Using Frictional Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching devices to vertical columnar structures, such as posts, often require penetrating fasteners that can damage the post and allow water ingress, leading to rot or rust, and leave visible holes when the device is removed.

Innovation Solution

A supporting mount that surrounds a vertical post without penetrating it, using a front panel, side panels, and a connecting element to create frictional contact that resists gravity, allowing the device to be securely attached and removed without screws or other fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws or fasteners are used to attach the device to the post, then the device can be securely mounted, but the post is penetrated and damaged, allowing water ingress that leads to rot or rust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidwater ingress causing rot or rust

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws penetrating the post) with a friction-based mechanical system. The mount applies radial clamping force around the post, creating friction that resists the gravitational load of the suspended device. This substitution eliminates the need for penetrating fasteners while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mount incorporates a flexible or elastic component that can deform to accommodate the post and apply uniform radial clamping force. This flexible element allows the mount to conform to the post's surface and maintain consistent frictional contact without penetrating the post's protective covering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If screws or fasteners are used to attach the device to the post, then the device can be securely mounted, but the post's appearance is marred by visible holes when the device is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidappearance of post

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a non-penetrating mount is used to avoid damaging the post, then the post's appearance and integrity are preserved, but the mount must rely on friction to resist gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost integrity and appearanceVSAvoidfrictional resistance to gravity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into multiple components that work together to create and maintain frictional contact. The assembly typically includes a clamping mechanism, flexible element, and mounting bracket, each serving a specific function in generating the necessary frictional force to support the suspended device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mount design allows for adjustment of clamping force parameters to optimize frictional resistance. By varying the radial clamping pressure, the mount can adapt to different post diameters and material properties, ensuring sufficient frictional force is generated to support the suspended device's weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution prevents damage to the post and maintains its appearance by avoiding penetration, while allowing easy installation and removal of the device, effectively addressing the issues of water ingress and visual damage.

Implementation Method 1

The side panels are bilaterally arranged to mirror each other with respect to the post. A connecting element positioned at the back face of the post interconnects the side panels at about the upper lateral edges thereof... The device as fixed to the mount causes same to pivot into a frictional contact with the back face of the post at the top portion of the connecting element and with the front face at the bottom portion of the front panel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7819369B2Supporting mount removably fixable to a generally vertical columnar structure

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 LAROSSA DONATO

AI summary

A supporting mount mounts a device to a post and is removably fixed to the post without being fastened thereto by any penetrating fastener. A front panel is at the front post face and has the device fixed thereto. A pair of opposing side panels are at respective side post faces. Each side panel has a lower lateral edge connecting to the front panel and an opposing upper lateral edge. A connecting element at the back post face interconnects the upper lateral edges of the side panels. A top edge of the front panel is vertically lower than a top portion of the connecting element. The mount pivots into frictional contact with the back post face at the top portion of the connecting element and with the front post face at a bottom portion of the front panel.