Reversible Bracket Channel for 90° Reorientation Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brackets for securing items to a support require extensive disassembly to change their orientation, as their asymmetric latching mechanism necessitates removal from rails, flipping, and reattachment to adjust positioning.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a base with a channel of varying widths to accommodate a cross member, allowing rotation by positioning the cross member in a wider section for adjustment and locking in a narrower section to prevent rotation, along with a hinged arm and latch mechanism for easy reorientation without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bracket uses an asymmetric latching mechanism for secure mounting, then the bracket can be reliably fixed to the cross member, but the bracket cannot be easily reoriented without complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into two distinct width portions: a first portion with a first width for secure engagement, and a second portion with a second width for rotation. This segmentation allows the bracket to be reliably mounted while enabling easy reorientation by moving the cross member between the two portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket transitions from a static, fixed-orientation design to a dynamic, reconfigurable design. The variable width channel allows the cross member to be positioned in different locations (first portion for locking, second portion for rotation), enabling the bracket to change orientation without complete disassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bracket channel has a uniform width for simple manufacturing, then the bracket is easy to manufacture, but the bracket cannot permit rotation while maintaining secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the channel have different widths to serve different functions. The first portion has a narrower width for secure engagement and prevention of rotation, while the second portion has a wider width to permit rotation. This local variation in geometry provides both manufacturing simplicity and orientation adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket is designed to prevent rotation through narrow channel engagement, then the bracket maintains stable orientation, but the bracket cannot be reoriented without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into two functional segments: a first segment with narrow width for stable orientation maintenance, and a second segment with wide width for rotation operations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both stability during normal operation and ease of reorientation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the channel acts as an intermediary state that allows rotation to occur. By positioning the cross member in this intermediate wider portion, the bracket can be rotated without disassembly, then returned to the narrower first portion for stable engagement.
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 the bracket to be easily reoriented in 90° increments without disassembly, allowing for flexible adjustment of the bracket's orientation on a cross member, enhancing installation efficiency and reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of the arm may be hingedly mounted on the base for pivoting motion between the open and the closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The shaft threadedly engages the base. The shaft may be movable between the first and second positions by rotating the shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A bracket for mounting an item to a cross member (44), said bracket (42) comprising: a base defining an opening for receiving said item; an arm movably mounted on said base between an open and closed position; wherein said base comprises: first and second sidewalls arranged in spaced apart relation from one another; a back wall extending between said first and second sidewalls, said back wall and said first and second sidewalls forming a channel , a first portion (72A) of said channel having a first width (74) measured between said first and second sidewalls at a point proximate to said back wall, a second portion of said channel having a second width measured between said first and second sidewalls at a point distal to said back wall, said second width being greater than said first width.