Rail-Mounted Locking Bracket for Protected Quick-Release Device Cases
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and systems fail to simultaneously protect against impact and moisture exposure while providing secure mounting and quick, secure attachment/removal, often being cumbersome or incompatible with other systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting system comprising a rail and bracket with a locking mechanism that securely attaches to the rail, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and can be configured as a device case to enclose and protect devices from impact and moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is protected from impact and moisture by using protective cases or covers, then the device's reliability is improved, but the device's portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to increased bulk and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into separate functional components: a base protective case for impact and moisture protection, and detachable mounting brackets that can be attached or removed as needed. This allows the device to maintain protection while reducing bulk when mounting capabilities are not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple mounting surfaces and configurations (vehicle dashboards, helmets, tripods, etc.). This single multi-functional bracket replaces the need for multiple specialized protective accessories, reducing overall bulk while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If a mounting system provides secure attachment to prevent unintended removal, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the ease of operation for quick attachment and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a dynamic locking mechanism with spring-loaded latches that automatically engage when the bracket is inserted into the rail, providing secure attachment without requiring manual tightening. The latches can be quickly released with a simple pressing motion, enabling fast attachment and removal while maintaining reliable securing.
3Ease of operation
If a mounting system is designed for quick removal to enhance flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure mounting deteriorates due to risk of dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure the bracket to the rail upon insertion, without requiring additional fastening actions. The spring-loaded latches engage with the rail's engagement features to provide secure mounting that resists dislodgement from vibration and impact, while still allowing quick release when needed.
4Reliability
If protective cases are made bulky to ensure comprehensive protection, then the device's reliability is improved, but the device's volume and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system separates the essential protection function (base case) from the mounting function (detachable bracket). This segmentation allows for a compact base case that provides necessary protection without the added bulk of integrated mounting mechanisms, while the mounting bracket can be attached only when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses systems, devices, and methods and uses provide a mounting system which includes rail and a bracket which is selectively secured to the rail. A bracket disclosed herein selectively and/or automatically secures or locks to a rail disclosed herein when positioned on the rail by actuating or triggering a locking mechanism disclosed herein to adopted a locked configuration. In addition, a bracket disclosed herein may be selectively removed from a rail by actuating or triggering a locking mechanism disclosed herein to adopted an unlocked configuration. The disclosed mounting systems, devices, and methods enable a device to be protected from impact and moisture exposure, enable a device to be securely mounted on a base, and/or enable a device to be quickly secured and removed from a base.