Anchoring device for radiators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator anchoring devices face issues with stability and are not universally compatible with different radiator dimensions and geometries, and they are not aesthetically concealed when mounted.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring device featuring a C-shaped metallic bracket with contoured holes for secure wall attachment, a fixed hook for the radiator, and a movable hook with a locking mechanism that includes a plastic locking member and reinforcement tabs for enhanced stability, allowing adjustable positioning and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a movable hook with elastic locking means is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of fastening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidstability of fastening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members (first and second locking members) that engage with protrusions on opposite sides of the bracket. This segmentation distributes the locking force across multiple engagement points, enhancing overall reliability while maintaining ease of operation through the elastic activation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic means (spring) is pre-loaded to continuously push the locking members against the protrusions, creating a pre-tensioned locking state. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the radiator is securely held in position before any external forces are applied, preventing accidental disengagement while allowing easy activation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If a simple bracket design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different radiator dimensions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with radiator dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with multiple protrusions at different positions and the locking members can engage with any of these protrusions. This universal design allows the same bracket structure to accommodate radiators of various heights and dimensions by simply adjusting which protrusions are engaged, without requiring different bracket models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support and locking members are designed to be adjustable along the bracket's length. The support can be positioned at different locations and the locking members can engage different protrusions, creating a dynamic configuration that adapts to various radiator dimensions while maintaining a simple overall bracket structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If visible mounting components are used, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for adjustmentVSAvoidaesthetic concealment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members and support structure are nested within the bracket's C-shaped profile and contoured walls. The operational components are hidden inside the bracket structure, with only minimal external features visible, creating a nested arrangement that maintains aesthetic concealment while preserving full operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The contoured walls and internal structures of the bracket serve as intermediaries that provide access to the locking mechanism through the radiator's interior space. This allows adjustment and operation of the locking members without external visible components, as the intermediary structure channels access through the radiator itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4012272B1Anchoring device for radiators
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 MB FIX SRL
  • EP4012272B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012272B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4012272B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

An anchoring device for radiators, including a bracket having a predominantly longitudinal extension, the lower end of the bracket forming a fixed hook adapted to cooperate with a movable hook associated with the upper end of the bracket, the movable hook being supported by a support which is mounted slidingly on the bracket and can be locked by a reversible locking means in a position chosen among predefined positions, the locking means including a contoured body which translates integrally with the support and is provided with at least one locking member which cooperates with elastic means and with at least one release lever which acts in contrast with the elastic means and is configured to move the locking member between a locking configuration, in which it engages the bracket by being pushed by the elastic means, and a release position, in which it is substantially disengaged from the bracket. The particularity of the device resides in that it includes a plurality of protrusions which protrude from the bracket so as to be selectively engageable by the locking member in the locking configuration.