Push-in Snap Mounting Bracket for Gauge Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting gauges to instrument panels are ergonomically difficult, time-consuming, and prone to stress-related failures due to the need for additional hardware and tools, and they do not accommodate varying panel thicknesses or manufacturing variations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting bracket with flexible fingers that integrate with the gauge housing, allowing for easy installation without additional hardware or tools, and providing centering and secure attachment through a ratcheting mechanism that adapts to different panel thicknesses and hole diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mounting studs and nuts are used to attach the gauge housing to the panel, then the gauge can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes time-consuming and requires additional hardware and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is integrated directly with the gauge housing as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate mounting studs and nuts. The bracket includes mounting ears with holes that align with panel mounting holes, allowing direct attachment without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from the gauge housing and embodied in the separate mounting bracket structure. The bracket serves as an intermediate component that provides mounting capability without requiring threaded fasteners, simplifying the installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threading is extended on mounting studs or gauge housing to accommodate varying panel thicknesses, then adaptability improves, but the operation becomes ergonomically difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with flexible mounting ears that can accommodate varying panel thicknesses through elastic deformation. The ears bend to conform to different thicknesses during installation, providing adaptability without requiring extended threading or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket accommodates panel thickness variations by allowing elastic deformation of the mounting ears. The material properties and geometric design enable the ears to flex within a range of thicknesses, providing adaptability through controlled elastic behavior rather than adjustable threading.
3Reliability
If internally toothed mounting brackets with tapered threads are used, then the gauge can be tightened against the panel, but stress risers and radial hoop stress may cause the gauge housing to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is completely removed from the mounting bracket design. Instead of using tapered internal threads with toothed rings, the bracket uses simple holes in mounting ears that accept panel mounting holes, eliminating stress risers and radial hoop stresses on the gauge housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket uses simple, non-threaded construction with mounting ears that have holes for direct attachment. This simplified design eliminates complex threaded components and toothed rings, reducing stress concentration points and potential failure modes in the gauge housing.
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 quick, secure, and centered mounting of gauges on instrument panels of varying thicknesses without additional hardware, reducing stress on the gauge housing and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a series of resilient fingers, each having a tip, extending axially from the base of the gauge mounting bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A gauge mounting assembly for mounting a gauge to an instrument panel of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, airplane or any other device utilizing said gauge and instrument panel. The gauge mounting assembly comprises: a gauge disposed within a gauge housing abutting a gauge housing flange; a gauge mounting bracket integrally attached to the gauge housing; said gauge mounting bracket comprising a circular base with a series of flexible fingers extending axially from said base; and, said fingers consisting of a ratcheting tip. When said gauge mounting assembly is positioned within a hole in said instrument panel the flexible fingers consist of an elastic dual-action cantilevered spring members. First, said fingers flex inwardly towards the axial surface of the gauge housing to permit passage through said hole. Second, said spring members bow outwardly from their original position exerting an outward force against said hole maintaining retention and alignment of the gauge housing. The ratcheting tips of the flexible fingers distal from said base become trapped on a opposite rear surface of said instrument panel, corresponding to the thickness, sandwiching the instrument panel between the gauge housing flange and corresponding ratcheting tips creating an exponential resistance in removal force created by the bowed shaped configuration of the spring members and automically centering the gauge device within the hole of the instrument panel without the need of a additional element.