Ramped Mounting Bracket for TV Alignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for flat-panel televisions are prone to misalignment during installation, leading to potential damage and injury due to the inability to visually confirm correct alignment of mounting components, especially with heavy devices.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of ramping surfaces on the mounting brackets that provide a clear indication of misalignment by causing the bracket to slide when not properly aligned with the retaining portions, ensuring correct positioning and preventing falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mounting brackets are used to securely attach heavy flat-panel televisions to walls, then the television can be mounted safely and securely, but the installer cannot visually confirm correct alignment during installation, leading to potential misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a visual indicator (such as a colored line or mark) on the mounting bracket that aligns with a corresponding mark on the television or wall mount when properly positioned. This allows the installer to visually confirm correct alignment through color or position matching, resolving the inability to detect alignment while maintaining secure mounting reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mounting bracket is designed with precise alignment features, then correct positioning can be achieved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple visual indicator as an intermediary element between the mounting bracket and the television/wall mount. This intermediary provides alignment information without requiring complex mechanical guides, sensors, or adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving precise alignment while minimizing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting bracket allows for easy installation, then the mounting process can be completed quickly, but there is increased risk of misalignment and improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual confirmation of alignment through the color or position indicator. As the installer positions the bracket, the indicator immediately shows whether correct alignment is achieved, allowing the installer to adjust positioning based on this feedback. This maintains ease of installation while ensuring installation correctness through continuous visual guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mounting bracket that provides an indication to an installer when a mount is not correctly aligned. The mounting bracket comprises a mounting contact portion and at least one side portion integrally connected to the mounting contact portion, with the at least one side portion defining a receiving region for accepting one or more retaining portions of a mount. The at least one side portion includes a first ramped surface at least partially outside of the receiving region. The first ramped surface configured to contact a retaining portion when the retaining portion is misaligned with the receiving region, thereby informing an installer of the misalignment.