Releasable locking hole-engaging mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts that attach to surfaces with holes either become permanently fixed, limiting configurability, or are insecure and prone to accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A mount design featuring a tine member with pivotably attached locking members that can rotate to securely engage and disengage from holes, providing a lockable yet releasable attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanent mounts are used to attach to holes in the surface, then the attachment strength is improved, but the configurability deteriorates because they are permanently fixed and not readily configurable for changing uses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to pivot between a locked position (where it prevents disengagement) and an unlocked position (where it allows removal). This dynamic positioning enables the mount to transition between secure attachment and easy reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and configurability
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is divided into functionally independent components: a tine member for engagement and a locking member for security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both strong attachment and easy reconfigurability
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary mounts are used to attach to holes in the surface, then the configurability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because they can inadvertently release from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member proactively prevents inadvertent release by positioning itself to block the tine from disengaging the hole. This preliminary protective action ensures the mount remains securely attached during normal use while still allowing intentional reconfiguration when needed
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent release, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member utilizes the existing insertion motion to automatically engage the locked position. When the tine is inserted into the hole, the locking member pivots into place without requiring separate locking actions, thereby providing reliable attachment security while minimizing mechanism complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for engaging a perforated surface includes a locking member and a tine member connected to each other such that they can rotate relative to each other. The locking member includes a surface designed to face the perforated surface when mounted to the perforated surface. The tine member includes a mounting plate and a tine. The tine is bent such that it extends substantially perpendicular to the mounting plate at the point it is connected to the mounting plate (the proximal end) and substantially parallel to the mounting plate at the point furthest from the mounting plate (the distal end). In use, the distal end of the tine is inserted into a hole of the perforated surface, the locking member is pivoted toward the perforated surface, and the locking member is then rotated relative to the tine member so as to prevent extraction of the tine from the hole.